Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick

Book Recommended by Anup C.

Mountain Park Branch

I never would have thought an enormous mentally-disabled boy and a highly intelligent, crippled boy could have become friends. As they go on imaginary quests and fight real criminals, there is just one thing that stands in the way, which is their emotions. Kevin, with his shortness, fights using his power of words as a weapon along with his imagination and intelligence. But Max, ‘The Giant’, struggles to fight his feelings. He believes what everyone says. People judge Max by his father, Killer Kane, a criminal. They also assume he’s stupid because he can barely read or write. Max suffers by keeping these emotions in about his dad and his disabilities. Even though he couldn’t save himself, it was benevolent and brave of Kevin to save Max, teaching him how to use his imagination to create adventures. They then double up an become the nine feet tall superhuman, ‘Freak, the Mighty!’.

Knots in My Yo-Yo String by Jerry Spinelli

Book Recommended by Anup C.

Mountain Park Branch

When I heard the song ‘Bad Day’ by Daniel Powter, it reminded me of Jerry Spinelli, when life gave him a few knots in his yo-yo string every so often. The gloomy times began when I saw the sadness in Spinelli’s eyes after his dog died. He shows the ups, downs, hopes, and sadness as a kid, acting as a model for teenagers. He didn’t hold anything back, revealing how important bikes, baseball, empty lots, early television, your own street, and friends are. The timeless book takes off as Spinelli takes snippets of the 10 years he lived on George Street, using descriptions with all five senses. With all the warmth, humor, and drama in his universe, Spinelli fondly recalls neighbors, pastimes, and events still prevalent today. Read and find out the stepping stones to success of his unique experience of growing up during the ‘40s and ‘50s.

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

Book Recommended by Anup C.

Mountain Park Branch

When was the last time you sat down with someone and was ready to hear the story of a lifetime? Sal and her grandparents are on a trip to different places. During the incessant car ride, Sal begins a story about Phoebe Winterbottom, as she continues to search for her missing and disappearing mother and a lunatic. The grandparents’ reaction to her story is hysterical. Granny always has something to say and constantly misconstrues Phoebe for Peeby. The book reminds you of oral traditions, as they use it in Sal’s story. Humor is scattered all across the pages, along with a few unexpected twists and a surprise ending. After reading this book I wanted to say, “Huzza! Huzza!” Read the book to find out what that means!

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

Book Recommended by Anup C.

Mountain Park Branch

Wherever in Hogwarts you fly, there is always magic that is always being used. Whether it’s fighting dementors or You-Know-Who, a wand is always at ahnd, trouncing enemies with magic. Harry Potter, along with his friends, Hermione and Ron, battle You-Know-Who and his evil gang. They experience an adventure filled with secrets that reveal love, courage, and a perpetualnumber of things. But the three share a type of magic that You-Know-Who doesn’t have and never will. It’s the one that is natural and doesn’t require a spell. It’s friendship, which they truly and exceptionally share!

Redwall by Brian Jacques

Book Recommended by Alexandra C.

Lawrenceville Branch

In the lands of Mossflower Country lies the peaceful Abbey of Redwall. Redwall Abbey is home to many woodland creatures like mice, moles, and hedgehogs. Suddenly, the peace is shattered by an evil rat warlord named Cluny the Scourge. Known for his whip-like tail, Cluny sets his mind on conquering Redwall and becoming lord of all the lands. Now, Matthias is determined, above all else, to not let evil win. Yet, being a young and slightly clumsy mouse at Redwall, how can he find the legendary sword of Martin, the long-dead protector of Redwall? Will Matthias find the legendary sword and save his friends from this evil?

Easy to read, Redwall is loaded with friendships, feasts, love, battles, and unforgettable characters; the entire book is awesome! I would recommend this book for those fantasy lovers. I would also recommend this title; ‘Mistmantle Chronicles’ by M.C. McAllister.

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Book Recommended by Anup C.

Mountain Park Branch

What does a perfect society need? That is what the whole book is about. It explains that the people in a society should all be cautious and stay away from everything. No feelings and no choice. There is only one boy that can change this, who is Jonas. He realizes a society doesn’t only need kindness, cleanliness, and safety, but also emotions and individuality. He finds that people who look the same or are not correctly born are disposed of. This book brings up a good debate about what is a perfect society. Is there one? It makes you realize about your society. Reading this make you think: Is living a life without pain a life without love? This also makes you feel that the society in the book is taking away love and giving pain.

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Book Recommended by Alexandra C.

Lawrenceville Branch

Aside from his name, Ponyboy Curtis and his friends are an ordinary bunch of close-knit teens and young adults; except, according to society, they’re on the wrong side of the tracks to considered smart and are permanently branded ‘greaser’. In a world where gang-ups, stealing, and rumbles are everyday occurrences, your gang is not only your protection, it’s your family. When Ponyboy and Johnny, another rmember of the gang, could be convicted of a crime, their only way out is to run and hide. With the help of another gang member, they manage to escape. Will the police find Ponyboy and Johnny and throw them in jail? Will their ‘family’ be forcefully separated?

Easy to read, this book touches on loyalty, friendship, and heroism. Everyone who reads would like this book. I would also recommend these by Brain Jacques: ‘The Long Patrol’, ‘Pearls of Lutra’, and ‘Taggerung’.

Dragons in Our Midst: Raising Dragons by Bryan Davis

Book Recommended by Alexandra C.

Lawrenceville Branch

Billy Bannister is just trying to fit in. His problem-super hot breath! Billy considers himself a freak, especially when his hot breath accidently sets off the fire sprinkler in the boys’ bathroom. Then, he overhears his parent talking about ‘keeping this secret too long’. Billy demands to know this secret; his father tells him he was a dragon! Enter Bonnie, orphaned, searching for a home of love. Feeling set apart because of a body feature she calls a deformity, she has always known about her heritage. Will Billy and Bonnie combine their faith, courage, and love to stop an evil wanting to rid the world of dragons, forever?

Easy to read, this book will fit with those who like knights, dragons, fair maidens, and battles to the death. I would recommend also the last three books in this series- ‘The Candlestone’, ‘Circle of Seven’, and ‘Tears of a Dragon’.

Protector of the Small: First Test by Tamora Pierce

Book Recommended by Alexandra C.

Lawrenceville Branch

The first girl to take advantage of a law stating that girls could become knights, Keladry of Mindelan is up against daunting odds. Struggling to keep up and prove just what girls can do, Kel realizes it’s going to be a lot tougher than she thought. In a male dominated palace, trashed rooms and forever being called ‘probationer’ are every day occurrences. Yet, as she has been put on probation by Lord Wyldon, the head training master, Kel has no choice but to accept it. Hit on all sides by bullies, non-caring teachers and an extremely sour horse, Kel is starting to wonder if she’s really going to make it or be forced to go home, leaving the knight’s shield to the men?

Easy to read, I would recommend this book to all girls along with ‘Page’, ‘Squire’, ‘Lady Knight’.

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Book Recommended by Alexandra C.

Lawrenceville Branch

When a simple farm boy named Eragon finds a blue stone while hunting, he things nothing of it; just a pretty thing to trade for food for his family. But, when the stone suddenly hatches a dragon, Eragon’s world is turned upside-down. Then an old storyteller named Brom tells him about the legendary Dragon Riders and the ancient comradeship between the Riders and their dragons, Eragon realizes that he must take up the calling of the Riders. Suddenly, he is thrust into a world full of danger especially now that King Galbatorix, whose evil know no bounds, is hunting him. Pursued by his dark minions, Eragon must learn to fight or die on his adventure.

Somewhat easy to read, this captivating book holds its reader from cover to cover. I would recommend this to dragon-readers and also the Dragonspell series by Donita K. Paul

Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry

Book Recommended by Abbey B.

Lawrenceville Branch

Gathering Blue, by Lois Lowry, is a thought provoking book that tells the story of Kira, a young girl who lives with a twisted leg. She learns to survive as an orphan in a society where no mercy is shown to those with disabilities. She is dedicated to any task placed before her, and when she is presented the incredible task of weaving the treasured Singer’s robe, the story really begins. Mysteries and secrets begin arising that would never be expected. Kira learns things not only about her community, but even about herself and what lies beyond the boundaries of her surroundings. This book was very interesting and ad twist the reader would not expect. My favorite part of Gathering Blue would have to be when Kira hung out with a younger tyke, Matt. Students in middle and high school would most enjoy this title. If you enjoyed this book, I would recommend other works in the series including The Giver and Messenger.

Babysitting Rules by Leah Browning

Book Recommended by Louseda D.

Grayson Branch

Babysitting Rules is a book about rules and advice to keep when you are babysitting. It talked about staying safe, keeping your eyes open and following the rules and many more. There is some information in the book that I never knew about, like checking on sleeping babies and young children every 20-30 minutes to see if they are crying or breathing. This book was very easy to understand and read. My favorite part in this book would be the part about staying safe and don’t answer the door even if it’s the child’s relatives. I would recommend other titles like Babysitting Activities and Babysitting Safety because safety comes first when babysitting.

Amber’s Guide for Girls by Amber J. Mariano

Book Recommended by Louseda D.

Grayson Branch

Amber’s Guide for Girls is a book about how to follow your dreams, never give up, and it is a book about advice. Amber gives you great advice about Fashion, Family, Relationship, School and many more. It is a good and easy book to read. My favorite part in the book was when Amber talked about fashion. I liked that part because I like fashion, and I am very creative when it comes to fashion. I would recommend this book to girls in my age group (12-16).

That’s So Raven: The Real Deal by Alice Alfonsi

Book Recommended by Louseda D.

Grayson Branch

This book is about a girl named Raven Baxter. While she is in school, she has a vision that she is modeling a dress that she designed, and the crowd loves her. Raven’s dress was added into a teen magazine but the picture Raven took in her dress wasn’t her. Raven went to the magazine headquarters. The next thing you know the lady that is running the place said that Raven was too big to model her own dress. Raven became sad. Raven started to exercise to loose some weight but the time was running out. The day that the runway show started Raven said that her vision is coming true. So she went to model her own dress. Then started the disaster, the other model that was modeling Raven’s dress came out at the same time as Raven and they were both running for the spotlight. Then everything got back to normal and they modeled the dress together.

I am convinced that this book is a good one because it tells you to never give up and follow your dreams, and never let people judge you about your size (xs, s, l, xl). I would recommend this to girls in my age group (10-17).

The Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer

Book Recommended by Carl B.

Grayson Branch

In The Sea of Trolls, Nancy Farmer creates a thrilling adventure story with twists of Norse and Celtic mythology. The reader is thrown into the book beginning with a boy named Jack and his sister Lucy who both are kidnapped by berserkers. When the berserkers reach their homeland, Jack sings to Queen Frith, who is half troll. In doing so, the evil Queen loses her hair and threatens to kill Lucy unless Jack can restore her beauty. Jack then goes on a quest to search for the cure. What can be learned from the book is how even the unlikeliest of people can be friends. This book was a wonderful story that keeps the reader spellbound to the very end. The Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer is no doubt one of the best teen books ever written.

The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke

Book Recommended by Carl B.

Grayson Branch

The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke is an amazing tale with many twists and turns leading to a surprising ending. Prosper and Bo are two orphans who are running away from their aunt who wants to adopt one brother but not the other. Together they meet up with a group of orphans who are being lead by a boy named the Thief Lord. The Thief Lord is soon offered a job to find a wooden wing that belongs to a broken down, magical merry-go-round that supposedly can make kids into adults and adults into children. Along the way the kids encounter troubling circumstances that could tear not only the brothers apart, but the whole group itself. These events even include a betrayal by the Thief Lord himself. Cornelia Funke’s book is a magical stunning read that will captivate the audience until the very last page.

House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer

Book Recommended by Carl B.

Grayson Branch

House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer has not only won three honor awards, but also my opinion as being the most creative story. Readers start out with a boy named Matteo. Matteo is a clone of a rich man named El Patron. Matteo is hated by everyone because in their eyes he is a freak, but El Patron treats him as an equal. Later Matteo finds out that El Patron is going to kill him and use his organs to keep El Patron from dying. The only way to survive is for Matteo to escape. This story was a great read because it brought in thoughts about the cloning technology we have today and what it could become. I would recommend The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer to anyone that is craving a very suspenseful, on the edge of your seat book.

Mister Monday by Garth Nix

Book Recommended by Carl B.

Grayson Branch

Mister Monday by Garth Nix is a great book that brings fantasy and adventure to a new level. In this suspenseful story, a boy named Arthur Penhaligon is saved from death by a mysterious key in the shape of a clock’s hand. Arthur is then hunted down by a man named Mister Monday who wants his key back. Barely escaping Monday’s fetchers, who were sent to get the key back at all costs, Arthur enters a strange house that only he can see. In doing so he plunges into a bizarre world where he must successfully vanquish Mister Monday and acquire all seven keys to become heir of the kingdom. Mister Monday is a unique spellbinding read. There definitely is no other adventure story as thrilling and mind-bending as Mister Monday by Garth Nix.

Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz

Book Recommended by Carl B.

Grayson Branch

Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz is suspenseful spy adventure fill on non-stop action. Readers start with an average boy named Alex Rider whose uncle dies in what police say was a car accident. But Alex knows better. Alex soon finds out his uncle was actually a spy working for the corporation called MI6. MI6 then forces Alex to become a spy and work for them. Alex is sent to investigate a man called Herod Sayle who is giving away hundreds of free computer devices called Stormbreakers to different schools. Alex discovers that these supercomputers actually contain poison that threatens to kill all school children. Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz is an amazing read that you can’t put down until the very end. What makes Stormbreaker a great book is how Horowitz brought a 007 movie down to a teen adventure story.

Pendragon: Book One:The Merchant of Death by D.J. MacHale

Book Recommended by Carl B.

Grayson Branch

Pendragon, The Merchant of Death by D.J. MacHale is a marvelous read that takes you into different a dimension. Bobby Pendragon is a fourteen year old boy whose family and existence totally disappear. All he has left is his uncle names Press. Uncle Press tells Bobby that he is a Traveler which means he must venture to different worlds and stop that universe from going into chaos. In this particular adventure Bobby has to save a world called Denduron which is on the verge of a disasterous revolution. As if it isn’t hard enough already, a rogue Traveler named Saint Dane is trying to plunge Denduron into chaos. This book is full of humorous, sarcastic comments and a great plot that will keep the reader entertained and captivated until the very end.

Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

Book Recommended by Rachel B.

Dacula Branch

Witches, wizards, and demons, oh my! When Sophie Hatter is transformed from a young girl to an old woman, the land of Ingary will never be the same! Sophie finds herself in an enchanted castle owned by the illusive wizard, Howl. Trying to find a way to return to her younger self, Sophie becomes Howl’s cleaning lady, but nothing is what it appears to be in a wizard’s house. When an evil witch’s curse on Howl catches up to him, Sophie has to learn to trust herself, and fast.

Howl’s Moving Castle is an inspiring book with love, humor, creativity, and magic. The author Diana Wynne Jones, has a writing style that fits the mood. How’s Moving Castle is simply one of Jones’s best books, and is my favorite. This book has been made into a movie by Hayao Miyazaki. Howl’s Moving Castle is a must-read for everyone.

Pendragon: Book Four: The Reality Bug

Book Recommended by Rebecca B.

Dacula Branch

The Reality Bug is a bone-chiller. When the reader thinks Bobby and Aja have the problem nipped in the bud, the tables turn, and it seems like Bobby and Aja have no hope of saving themselves. It’s fast-paced, but not so much that it’s as though the reader can’t keep up. I finished it in a little more than one day.

In the Reality Bug, the reader watches Bobby grow and see just how evil the enemy, Saint Dane is. Saint Dane is formidable, unrelenting, merciless, incredibly intelligent, and absolutely terrifying. However, what sared me the most was at the end of the Reality Bug. I can’t tell you what it was, but I can tell you that if things are going to get worse, I just might scream instead of merely widening my eyes in horror and dropping my jaw. It was amazing.

Pendragon: Book Seven: The Quillan Games by D.J. MacHale

Book Recommended by Rebecca B.

Dacula Branch

I cannot tell you how many times I can across the statement ‘I hate clowns’ in Pendragon: Book Seven: The Quillan Games. If what happens to Bobby Pendragon in this book is any indication, everyone else should hate clowns too.

Bobby is thrown around like a ragdoll from one situation to the next. The reader is unsure how everything fits together until it is explained. I loved how Bobby developed in this book. I could relate to the attitude he portrayed toward Veego and LaBerge. He has grown up a lot.

The suspense also escalated by the end. The ending of the Quillen Games must be the third most shocking ending in the series.

The Quillen Games is a fabulous addition to this phenomenal book series. It is a must-read. It gets your rbain working and is overall a wonderful book.

Samurai Shortstop by Alan Gratz

Book Recommended by Rebecca B.

Dacula Branch

The book, Samurai Shortstop, was written by a man named Alan Gratz. His writing style and plot are amazing! Everything is connected. Everything has significance. Even the smallest comments are mentioned later on. Everything being weaved together like one weaves a basket, enriched this book.

The book balances action with humor. Though a few fight scenes are present, the book keeps and enjoyable fast pace. The believable tension between Toyo and his father, Sotaro, and the interaction with Toyo and the other students added an emotional element to the book. The interaction between Toyo and the other characters were one of the best parts of the book!

Samurai Shortstop by Alan Gratz is the best book ever. I adore the writing style. I love the characterizations. The plot was amazing. I recommend Samurai Shortstop to everyone who is a preteen and older. Burning besudoru! (In order to understand that phrase, you’ll have to read the book!)

Sorceress by Celia Rees

Book Recommended by Rebecca B.

Dacula Branch

Sorceress is the sequel to Witch Child. The book begins with a Native American girl named Agnes being visited in a dream by Mary Newbury, a girl who had been persecuted for being a witch. Mary Newbury was a real person, as is Agnes. Celia Rees says that Sorceress is a work of fiction and that she has tried to make it as accurate as possible.

At the end of the book, there are notes on what happened to others in Mary’s life. There are also diary entreis from Elias Cornwell and letters from Sarah Rivers and Rebekah Morse, people who had been very important in Witch Child.

Sorceress is also a cultural eye-opener. The insight into modern-day Native American life and mind set isn’t something I’m exposed to everyday.
Sorceress quenches the thirst for more that Witch Child induces. I suggest Witch Child and Sorceress for all young adults.

The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot

Book Recommendation by Rosemary S.

Buford Branch

Amelia Thermopolis, Mia for short, is a regular teenage girl. She is a freshman in high school, is in love with the school’s cutest guy, hates the fact that she is five foot nine and flat chested. On top of that she is flunking Algebra and still has no date for the Cultural Diversity Dance. Then her mom decides to start dating her Algebra teacher, Mr. Gianini.

When she thinks nothing else can go wrong, her dad reveals to her that he is the crown prince of Genovia and that she is his only daughter so she is the heiress to the throne. All of a sudden, Mia’s world is turned upside down!

The Princess Diaries is the first book in this series. It is a good book to read and keeps you guessing. If you like this book, you should consider the rest of the books in this series. Grow with Mia and read her next book, The Princess Diaries Vol.2 : Princess in the Spotlight.

All-American Girl by Meg Cabot

Book Recommendation by Rosemary S.

Buford Branch

Samantha Madison, a high school sophomore, is the middle child. Stuck between her popular and beautiful older sister, Lucy, and genius younger sister, Rebecca, Sam is a girl considered an outcast. She loves drawing and was caught selling celebrity portraits she has made. Her parents are making her take art classes as punishment. She skips art class and goes down to the music store to listen to music and that’s when her life changes drastically. The President of the United States was passing by on his limo when a man standing by her pulls out a gun and attempts to assassinate the President. Sam quickly acts and jumps on the man and screams for help.

Now an instant celebrity overnight, not to mention her new position as Teen Ambassador to the U.N., Samantha finds herself having meals and hanging out at the White House. She meets David, the President’s son, and soon falls in love with him.
Join Samantha and see what there is in store for her. All-American Girl is an easy to read and easy to understand book. This book teaches that anyone can be a hero, and the real heroes are not always who we think they are. Meg Cabot has written a sequel to this book. It is called Ready Or Not. I highly recommend it.

Teen Idol by Meg Cabot

Book Recommendation by Rosemary S.

Buford Branch

Jenny Greenley is a junior at Clayton High School. She is the girl-next-door type and everyone gets along with her. Jenny is good at giving advice…so good that the she is the school newspaper’s anonymous advice columnist, Annie.

Clayton High School is a regular small town school until 19 year old screen sensation and America’s sweetheart, Luke Striker, poses as a transfer student and Jen is appointed his guide around the school. Jenny was able to keep the secret but soon the school found out about his true identity. Now Jen is stuck in the middle of all the craziness Luke caused and she is not really sure she can fix it.

Meg Cabot knows how to entertain her readers and keep them reading. Teen Idol was an easy book to get into and understand. My favorite part was the ending. If you like a book that keeps you guessing or that teaches you a thing or two, then this is a book for you. If you like this book, I also recommend all the other books Meg Cabot has written.

Megan Meade’s Guide to the McGowan Boys by Kate Brian

Book Recommendation by Rosemary S.

Buford Branch

Megan Meade’s life is about to be turned completely upside down. Both her parents are in the army as doctors and are being transferred to Korea. Megan is sick and tired of moving so she decides to make a bold move and ask her parents if she could stay in the United States and finish high school. To her surprise, they both agree but only if she stays with one of her dad’s friends, John McGowan, and his family. The last time Megan saw the seven McGowan boys they were annoying and tortured her until she accidently hit one of them with a bat.

Now the boys have changed, but looks can be deceiving. They feel that she is trespassing and don’t want her there. Will Megan decide to go to Korea with her parents or stay and live with the McGowan Boys? Whatever she decides, at least Megan can still be able to keep her best friend back home, Tracy, informed by creating the guide to the McGowan Boys.

Megan Meade’s Guide to the McGowann Boys is a very good book. If you are an only daughter or if all you have is sisters and no brothers, this is a good book for you to read. It is hilarious and would make you wish you were Megan. I personally think Kate Brian needs to write a sequel to this book. If you like this book, I also recommend Smart Boys and Fast Girls by Stephie Davis or 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson.

Happy Reading!

The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

Book Recommendation by Rosemary S.

Buford Branch

Macy Queen is cool and calm but on the inside she is broken. After losing her dad when she was younger, her life never was the same. Now it’s summer and her boyfriend, Jason, is leaving to Brain Camp leaving behind his voluntary job at the library to her. She immediately hates the job because two of the other coworkers are perfectionists, make her feel like dirt.

Her mom throws a party for her company and hires a catering company, Wish, to make food and serve guests. Macy gets bored and ends up in the kitchen helping Delia, the owner, and Delia offers Macy the job for the summer. Macy was not going to take it but she does. She meets Wes and they both start playing a game they call ‘Truth’, where they reveal secrets. Macy talks and reveals feelings she never knew she had and Wes listens. Her mom does not approve of her new friends and makes Macy stay away from them. Will she keep seeing her new friends or listen to her mom and keep them?

This is a book that teaches the reader how to open up to a person you feel comfortable with and help you with your past. Sarah Dessen is a good author and can keep the reader interested in the book. I highly recommend this book. If you like this book, you should consider My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult or How to Be Good by Nick Hornby. Happy Reading!

Ranger Apprentice: The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan

Book Recommended by Greg K.

Buford Branch

This story is about two boys named Will and Horace.
The name…Rangers Apprentice: The Burning Bridge
It was kind of hard to read but I enjoyed it a lot.

It also has a good deal of adventure; for instance, there’s a boar fight and Will saves Horace’s life, and they become friends.

One of my favorite parts of the story is probably where Will saves his master, the Knight master and, in a daring feat, his King.

I have a few books to recommend. They are…Vampirates, The Same Stuff as Stars, Dragon’s Breath, The Water Mirror, The Last Dragon, Eragon.

This concludes my report. Thank you for taking the time to read all of this.

The Taker by J.M. Steele

Book Recommended by Heather H.

Grayson Branch Library

The Taker is a mystery book that’s all about the life of an average high school student, who finds out that what she really wants has been in front of her face the whole time! Carly Biels is an A and B student. Her boyfriend, Brad, is the captain of the lacrosse team. Her dad’s an alum at Princeton, meaning she’s definitely getting in. That all changes when she gets her SAT scores, though. Carly knew she wasn’t the best test-taker, but she totally bombed the SAT. All of a sudden, she gets a letter from someone named “The Taker”. He guarantees Carly that he will take the test for Carly and get her a score within 150 points of perfect. The catch- there’s a price. If you’re a fan of the Clique series you will absolutely love this book!

Cirque du Freak: Book #4 Vampire Mountain by Darren Shan

Book Recommended by Olivia J.

Peachtree Corners Library Branch

Plot: Darren Shan (A half vampire) and Mr. Creepsley (his vampire mentor) are going on a dangerous and deadly trek into the vampire world. Darren is about to meet the most powerful and elite group of vampires known to their race, THE VAMPIRE PRINCES who live up on Vampire mountain! There, they will decide Darren and Mr. Creepsley's fate for breaking one of their sacred rules. As the story goes on Darren finds out some things about vampires he's never known before but will have to learn to become a true vampire.

What was this book really about? What were the themes? This book is defiantly a heroism story. It’s all about the main character overcoming hard situations and saving the day.

What was my fave part? My favorite part was the end. It was surprising and left just enough out of the story for suspense.

Was it a good book? It was okay. At times it was overly cheesy and not descriptive enough. It reminded me of a child's picture book a few times and was sometimes very predictable. For the most part it was a solid story.

Was it easy to read? Yes very. The difficultly level was about a three. Even younger children should have no problem reading it. The book goes over what has happened in the story several times.

What age group would enjoy this? Anywhere from 10-16 maybe higher.

Who would like this book? Both boys and girls who enjoy or are just exploring the sci-fi/fantasy genre. Good for people looking for an easy read.

Are there any similar books I can read? Anything in the Cirque Du freak series would be good to start with. If you’re looking for another fantasy adventure series, the Deltora Quest is a personal favorite of mine.

The Secret of Sarah Revere by Ann Rinaldi

Book Review by Anja T.

Buford Branch Library

The Secret of Sarah Revere gives you a different point of view of the Paul Revere story and a new interest in the old classic!

Sarah Revere, the 13 year old daughter of Paul Revere, has a secret and so does everyone else in her family. Everyone wants to know who fired the first shot in the Revolutionary War and her father knows. These secrets have caused a lot of trouble in the past. Will they cause danger now that war has broken out?

This book is great for teens who like history but want an exciting new twist to the old classics! Ann Rinaldi, the author, has written at least 37 other historical fiction books for teens. I highly recommend all of them.

Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Book Recommended by Kaya D.

Five Forks Branch Library

"Life as We Knew It" is an amazing book about a girl named Miranda and her family. When a meteor hit the moon off orbit, it causes a serious of earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis on Earth. As Earth's condition gets worse and worse, Miranda and her family struggles to survive. As Miranda tries to figure things out, she made new friendships and learned to appreciate and value the most common thing such as water and bread. The book itself is written in a diary format and it is similar to the movie "The Day After Tomorrow". It is easy to read and very suspenseful but have few offensive words. I love this book and I think that if you ever like the movie "The Day After Tomorrow" or like to read suspenseful books that make you think about your life, read this book. You will not be disappointed!

The Final Warning by James Patterson

Book Review by Whitney R.

Dacula Branch Library

The Final Warning is the fourth installment in the Maximum Ride series by James Patterson. This time around, Max and the flock have a mission from the government: go to Antarctica and help save the world from global warming. Sounds easy for the flock, right?

This novel, in my opinion, was the best of the Maximum Ride series. It's filled with the normal mutant-with-wings-but-loving-it attitude, action packed, and very humorous. I recommend it: two-wings up!

Gossamer by Lois Lowry

Book Recommended by Heather H.

Grayson Branch Library

Gossamer is a touching story about a young dream bestower, known as Littlest One. She has a gossamer touch, a touch so light you can barely feel it. Littlest One is assign to a house with a lonely old woman. The woman has no companions except for her dog, Toby. One day, a boy comes to the woman’s house to stay. He is an “orphan”. This boy is angry. This, in turn, lures Sinisteeds to the home. Now it is up to Littlest One to keep him safe from the nightmares the Sinisteeds bestowal. The only question- is she up to the task?

Slam Dunk by Donna King

Book Recommended by Oreva A.

Suwanee Branch Library

This book is about a thirteen-year-old girl named, Ashlee Carson. Ashlee is tall, blond, and on her basketball team she is an awesome point guarder. With a ex-pro basketball player for a father,Ashlee looks like she can make it in. But her mother has a different dream for Ashlee that doesn't involve playing on the court. Her dad supports her when Ashlee goes all the way to Florida to compete for a spot in the national girls' team. Ashlee wants to be the best and follow her idol Micheal Jordon foot steps. But, how can she do that if her mother may never forgive her for choosing sports over school. Now Ashlee has to chase her dream to Florida and maybe even beyond!

First Part Last by Angela Johnson

Book Recommendation by Jasmyn N.

Buford Branch Library

I would’ve never believed that I would’ve witnessed a sixteen year-old boy being a single parent, until I read “The First Part Last”, by Angela Johnson.

I like this book because it was easy to read and because Bobby, the main character, was such a good parent to his daughter, Feather. Not only did I see him being a father, but I felt him being a daddy to her.
Nia, Feather’s mother, and Bobby decided to put Feather up for adoption before she was born. One major condition of Nia’s pregnancy changed Bobby’s mind.

One interesting character in, The First Part Last, is Just Frank. Before Just Frank passed away he asked Bobby if he was being a ‘man’.

In some cases teenagers never grow up, if you want to know how Bobby answered Just’s question you’ll have to read the book.

More books I would recommend are:
The Skin I’m In, Bird, Begging for Change, Money Hungry, and Heaven.

Dark River by Erin Hunter

Book Recommendation by Heather H.

Grayson Branch Library

The three grandchildren of the great Firestar and children of Squirrelflight and Brambleclaw are back! In this brand new adventure, they are split their separate ways. Lionpaw and Heatherpaw find a secret hideaway and form their own little clan as they meet in secret. Hollypaw tries to find out why RiverClan is acting so strange, while trying to prevent a war. Jaypaw even learns to become close friends with an unsuspecting cat and starts to take some of his apprentice duties seriously, using his powers more carefully. Tensions among the clans grow when WindClan kits go missing, so it’s up to Lionpaw, Hollypaw, and Jaypaw to find them. If you are a fan of the Redwall series or any other series with animals, you are sure to love this book!

Sweet Sixteen Princess by Meg Cabot

Book Recommendation by Jessica W.

Snellville Branch

This book was very entertaining. Mia, the main character is the princess of a foreign country and has princess lessons with her grandmother weekly. She really isn't into the 'princess scene' and tries to focus on being a regular teenage girl. She wants to eliminate all the attention she can. But her grandmother makes this nearly impossible. Especially when she decides to throw Mia a sweet sixteen party for her and 100 friends in Genovia. There would be a ball, a shopping spree, and a spa day. To top it off it's going to be taped for Mtv! I recommend this book to any teenage girl. It is exciting to see the way Mia reacts to her grandmother's actions. And you won't believe who was in on the plan. Read it to find out!