Book Review: If I Stay, by Gayle Forman

Posted on July 4, 2014 by Nirmeet Bhogill

If I Stay is one of my all-time favorite novels. This piece of literature is one of the few that I actually take the time to read over and over again. The story is simply intriguing. And now that the movie is coming out next month with some great actors seen previously, I just can’t wait to experience the touching story once again.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman is a novel about an average teenage girl who just happens to be an amazing cello player. Mia, the cello player, is dating Adam, another musician. They both have a good life, when on one of the weekends, Mia and her family go on a drive. During the drive, Mia’s family gets into an accident where all of them end up dead, including Mia. However, Mia is a “ghost” and literally spectates her family and her getting taken away by the paramedics. The harsh and tragic journey Mia has to face while Adam and her best friend Kim mourn over her is astonishing. As readers, we get to experience Mia’s heartbreak’s and sadness, through watching her loved ones miss her and join in unity due to her tragic situation.

I am extremely excited to watch the movie made based on this book! I am intrigued to see what they make out of this amazing novel, and how well the actors play their character’s roles. This is by far, the best novel I have ever read. If I Stay takes you through a journey with Mia, with sadness and love joining to fine a perfect medium.

-Nirmeet B., 10th grade

Book Review: Midnight for Charlie Bone, by Jenny Nimmo

Posted on May 28, 2014 by rwong2002

Imagine having a unique talent which nobody else has, and you have the choice of using it to save the world! Written by Jenny Nimmo, this novel, Midnight for Charlie Bone, tells a story about a young boy who thinks he is a normal person with a normal life who has a normal friend. However, when Charlie starts to hear voices from the people in various photos and pictures, his life suddenly changes and becomes very complicated.

Charlie Bone is then forced by his wicked aunts to attend Bloor’s Academy for talented students in the areas of music, art, or drama. He is like some other children at this school who have an endowment of magic, and he is descended from the Red King, a ruler from the past with unimaginable powers. Myths say that these descendants would each possess one of those magical endowments, and that is why Charlie is able to hear people in non-motion images. One day while visiting a book store, he stumbled upon a mysterious, metal case containing something that might save the bookseller’s daughter and family. In order to do this though, he needs to find the courage to stand up to the Bloor family, whose evilness is lurking behind the doors of their academy.

Jenny Nimmo is an extraordinary author who writes several fantasy books for children and young adults. This series, Charlie Bone and the Red King, has a total of eight amazing novels, and I am currently reading the third book, Charlie Bone and the Invisible Boy.

I think Charlie is the perfect character, since he has the right personality and characteristics for this series. What makes him so special in the book is that he has a knack for getting in trouble, but he can somehow always get away with it, whether it is having friends help or by using his brain to get out of tough situations.

My recommendation for this book would be to anyone between the ages of ten to sixteen who like to read about fantasies and mysteries. I would rate this novel a nine and a half out of ten, because it drew me into the story, as if I was part of the setting. This would be a good book for you Harry Potter fans out there, for this series depicts a war of good versus evil.

-Riley W., 6th grade

Book Review: Looking for Alaska, by John Green

Posted on May 20, 2014 by Melika R.

In the novel Looking For Alaska by John Green, you learn the true lesson of always looking out for your friends.

A boy named Miles leaves his boring life in Florida to seek his Great Perhaps. He decides that to do so he must go to boarding school. When he gets there, he meets his roommate the Colonel. The Colonel introduces Miles- who is now nicknamed Pudge- to a girl named Alaska. Pudge describes Alaska as the most beautiful girl he had ever seen in his life.

Pudge and Alaska spend a lot of time together and go through great adventures. Alaska has a lot going on in her life and one night she storms off and gets in a car accident. After the accident, Pudge and the Colonel go through great efforts to try and figure out what happened to her that night.

By the end of the book, Pudge believes that he has found his Great Perhaps. In this book, you capture the message to hang on to every moment and to always make every moment count. Pudge and the Colonel embrace that message after the accident. I would recommend this book to anyone above the age of 13. In the end, this was a great book and it was heart-warming.

-Melika R., 8th grade

Book Review: A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseini

Posted on April 4, 2014 by Rachel L.

A Thousand Splendid Suns truly is, as suggested by its title, a splendid book.

It is a story, of hope and friendship despite hardship, that spins the intriguing and moving tale of two remarkable women in the midst of the tumultuous years of a war-ridden Afghanistan. It is mainly about the tribulations two very different women- Mariam and Laila- must endure and the deep friendship they forge out of their cruel mutual husband. At the same time they must deal with the death and destruction of the war and Taliban. This is a common theme of the novel- the oppression that they face both at home and in their country. That is all I can share about the story, for I don’t want to spoil anything; if you want to find out what happens to them and their fascinating stories, you’ll have to read the book.

The synopsis might not sound very interesting or appealing to some, especially teenagers (I, at first, was a bit wary of it), who may want a fun action packed or romantic story instead, but this book is definitely worth a read. It leaves a deep impact on you, changes the way you view things, your whole perspective. It is heart breaking, but moving; tragic, but real and hopeful; sad, but it is a bittersweet sort of emotion that will make you truly appreciate the book and its characters.

I can say that this is the only book that has ever made me cry. It is beautifully written, the words leaving great impact, as I grew attached to the characters and felt their emotion. The characters were all complex and interesting; the plot gripping at your attention. There was never a boring part of the book, I felt I could never put it down until I read every single word of it until the end. A Thousand Splendid Suns is a one of a kind type of novel that will make you smile and cry, maybe even at the same time, and thoroughly captivate.

-Rachel L., 10th grade

Manga Review: Ultra Maniac, vol. 1, by Wataru Yoshizumi

Posted on January 21, 2014 by Linna C.

Cool Ayu Tateishi is a popular girl who everybody wants to be like. But all that is about to change when she meets Nina Sakura. This seemingly normal girl isn’t all she looks to be. She’s a witch. Or rather, a witch that got flunked out of magic school and came to Earth to study abroad.

Nina decides to reveal her secret to Ayu, and decides to help Ayu with her magic as much as she can. Unfortunately, this results in disaster for poor Ayu.

This series follows Nina and friends on their countless misadventures. Other characters include Tetsushi Kaji, Ayu’s boyfriend, and Hiroki Tsujiai, who soon finds out Nina’s secret. There is also an anime for the series, and there are some manga-exclusive characters and some anime-exclusive characters. The plot and storyline are probably slightly different in the anime as to the manga.

I really think that this series is flat-out great. It seems a bit childish at times, but when those times pass, the story is great. Even though it is a shojo manga, there are some action-packed tidbits. This series is yet another one of those books that is there to make you laugh. Even though the title sounds a little stupid (I thought that at first too), take a look inside. As they say, don’t judge a book by its cover!

-Linna C., 7th grade

Book Review: Stargirl, By Jerry Spinelli

Posted on December 2, 2013 by Leila S.

As the story begins, Leo Borlock receives a porcupine necktie to add to his collection as a birthday present from a mysterious sender. That next school year, a new girl joins Mica Valley High School. This new girl, who calls herself Stargirl, stands out in the crowd of ordinary high schoolers. As Leo finds out, she has been homeschooled up until this year.

Stargirl is by no means ordinary. She has a sunflower bag, in which her pet rat, Cinnamon, rides with her to school every day. She brings a ukulele to school to sing “Happy Birthday” to every kid celebrating a birthday. She even sets a vase containing a fresh flower on her desk for each one of her classes at the start of each week.

What is your favorite characteristic about Stargirl? Do you do anything that is similar to her actions? What would you do if a student like Stargirl showed up at your school?

In his case, Leo and his friend, Kevin, go to see the mentor and wise man of their town, Archie. Archie’s description of Stargirl fascinates the boys. As Leo and Kevin find out, Stargirl is just a name the new girl gave herself. She has named herself several times before. Her previous names include Mudpie and Hullygully, and her birth name: Susan Caraway.

Stargirl (or Susan as she renames herself during one part of the school year) experiences many highs and lows in regard to her acceptance while at the high school. If a student like Stargirl showed up at your school, what would you think of her? Would you and your friends welcome her at your lunch table? Would you be embarrassed if she sang “Happy Birthday” to you?

As Archie’s wise words say at the end of the story, people like Stargirl, who seem so close to Earth’s beginnings, are very special people. Stargirl is someone who is proud to be herself. I would love to hear about any “Stargirls” or “Starboys” you know. What makes them unique? Please write in the comments section below.

Still want to find out more about Stargirl? Read the book! And its sequel, Love, Stargirl. I recommend Stargirl to middle schoolers and up; I would rate this book a 9 out of 10.

-Leila S. (8th gade)

Book Review: Flipped, by Wendelin Van Draanen

Posted on November 26, 2013 by Leila S.

I have seen Flipped on many bookshelves and had never thought it would interest me. So when it was assigned as an 8th grade required reading book for English, I did not get too excited. However, after reading it, I regret having passed it by so many times. It was that good!

What makes this novel unique is the way the story is written. Each chapter switches off between Julianna and Bryce, the two main characters in the story. This writing style enables the reader to understand how each character is feeling. Even though the way the story is written is complex, the plot is actually quite simple.

The novel begins when Bryce moves into the vacant house across the street from Julianna. That was when they were in second grade. From the time Julianna first saw Bryce, she knew they would be best friends. However, Bryce did not share her idea from the very beginning. He tries to avoid her as much as she tries to follow him.
Major events throughout the book test their soon-to-be friendship. At times, they wish the other were not in their lives at all. However, by the end of the book, the thoughts of both characters have ‘flipped.’ They have each learned about each other and realized what they had missed when they first met. This part shows the moral of the book about looking beneath the surface and not making snap decisions about a person before you get to know them.

My favorite part of the book was the ending, because it was very sweet and left me wondering what was going to happen next. I did not feel like there was too much of a cliffhanger, though the ending did leave some of my questions unanswered.

I could relate to this book when the characters were changing their minds about each other. I know that in real life, I change my mind on some things frequently. One minute I have made a decision, and the next moment, I have questioned myself and then completely change my mind. For example, this occurs on insignificant decisions like what to wear or more important decisions such as what elective to take in school.
I would rate this book a 9.5 out of 10 and would definitely recommend it to younger teens. You certainly do not want to pass it by at a bookstore or library like I did so many times. You will regret not reading it!

-Leila S., 8th grade

Book Review: Ostrich Boys, by Keith Gray

Posted on November 18, 2013 by Will R.

When their best friend, Ross, accidentally bikes in the path of an oncoming car and gets hit, Blake, Kenny, and Sim are devastated. At Ross’ memorial service, when no one seems to be incredibly sad, Blake, Kenny and Sim become angry; first spraying graffiti on their History Teacher’s house, and then another classmate’s house, in retribution for the way those people had treated Ross in life. Now, the three boys turn off their cell phones, steal Ross’ ashes, run and the story’s narrative is set.

In Ostrich Boys, by Keith Gray, the three protagonists start from their hometown in England, and escape from their parents, taking Ross’ ashes with them to give Ross a proper burial in Ross, Scotland. On their journey, the boys learn how to accept each other, and experience many heart pounding and exciting moments, only to find the FBI looking for them, and to uncover a shocking truth.

Ostrich Boys is one of those books you will want to read just by glancing at the front cover and title. Although this book is not on the popular radar, I would definitely recommend it. However, this book is probably only for teens 13 or 14 and older. Ostrich Boys is a find and one you will likely enjoy.

-Will R., 9th grade

Book Review: Will Grayson, Will Grayson, by John Green & David Levithan

Posted on October 25, 2013 by SMES Student

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

On a cold night in Chicago, two strangers cross paths. The two teens, living in different cities, suddenly find their lives going in new and surprising directions that culminate in a brave change of heart and an epic high school musical sure to steal the hearts of its audience. This amazing story, Will Grayson, Will Grayson, was written by award winning authors John Green and David Levithan. Green has won numerous awards for writing young people’s literature and has a blog, Brotherhood 2.0, in which he encourages his readers “to fight to increase the awesome and to decrease the suck!”

An enticing novel about a boy, Will Grayson, meeting another boy who is coincidentally named will grayson, this story is about friendship and love, and it is written in alternating points of view. Will Grayson narrates the story on the odd numbered chapters, while will grayson, whose name is never capitalized, narrates the story on the even numbered chapters. While these two have the same name, their lives are nothing alike.

The theme of this book is that friendship happens because of fate or destiny. Will Grayson says, “But with friendship, there’s nothing like that. Being in a relationship, that’s something you choose. Being friends, that’s just something you are” (260). This quote demonstrates that forming friendships is not a choice, but an inevitable existence. It is fated so you cannot escape from the people who are put into your life to be your friends.

Although the Will Graysons have the same name and age, their personalities are completely different. Will Grayson cares about his family and friends, but his friends easily manipulate him. will grayson, however, has quite an attitude even though he is small. He doesn’t care much about life and he treats people with very little respect. Tiny, who is also one of the main characters, is Will Grayson’s best friend. Will describes Tiny as “the world’s largest person who is really, really gay and the world’s gayest person who is really, really large” (3). Tiny momentarily fosters a romantic relationship with will grayson, who is also gay. Their short fling further affirms the theme that romantic relationships may not last, but friendships last an eternity.

I thought this novel was very well written. It does contain some words that are inappropriate for younger readers, but I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a realistic drama. I especially like this book because of the way it was written. The alternating points of view of both of the Will Graysons add to the meaning of the story because these characters have different perspectives on the same events. I love the way that the two different authors of the book collaborated to write such a magnificent piece.

Full of drama, friendship, and love, Will Grayson, Will Grayson brings up many of life’s tough truths. In one of the scenes, Will Grayson says, “Caring doesn’t sometimes lead to misery. It always does” (19). This is very sad, but also very true. Will Grayson, Will Grayson will leave you introspective and pondering your own relationships.

-Sarah K., 7th grade

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

Posted on September 3, 2013 by Samantha S.

The 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

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