Teen Reader Advisory: Teen Book Reviews
Teen Book Reviews
The Alchemist by ISBN: 9780062315007Publication Date: 2014-04-15Combining magic, mysticism, wisdom and wonder into an inspiring tale of self-discovery, The Alchemist has become a modern classic, selling millions of copies around the world and transforming the lives of countless readers across generations. Paulo Coelho's masterpiece tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far different--and far more satisfying--than he ever imagined. Santiago's journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, of recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, most importantly, to follow our dreams.
★★★★★
The Alchemist is considered a modern classic. That’s why I chose to read it. Usually, when I read classics, I read them for the sake of having read them. Rarely because I enjoy them. However, when I started reading The Alchemist, I knew this one was going to be different. It was. I absolutely loved the story. I loved the language and how quick of a read it was. It is a beautiful story that was beautifully written and translated. I highly recommend this classic to anyone who enjoys interesting quick reads, with an underlying deep meaning.
-Nicole
The Beginning of Everything by ISBN: 9780062217134Publication Date: 2013-08-27Varsity tennis captain Ezra Faulkner was supposed to be homecoming king, but that was before--before his girlfriend cheated on him, before a car accident shattered his leg, and before he fell in love with unpredictable new girl Cassidy Thorpe. As Kirkus Reviews said in a starred review, "Schneider takes familiar stereotypes and infuses them with plenty of depth. Here are teens who could easily trade barbs and double entendres with the characters that fill John Green's novels." Funny, smart, and including everything from flash mobs to blanket forts to a poodle who just might be the reincarnation of Jay Gatsby, The Beginning of Everything is a refreshing contemporary twist on the classic coming-of-age novel--a heart-wrenching story about how difficult it is to play the part that people expect, and how new beginnings can stem from abrupt and tragic endings.
★★★★☆
The Beginning of Everything is both funny and tragic at the same time. Watching Ezra bounce back from such a traumatic event in his life is inspiring to read about. It touches on important topics such as friendship, and teaches people how to move on after a major change has occurred in their life. It was also refreshing to see how realistic the relationship between Ezra and Cassidy actually was. Aside from being a little dark at times, I enjoyed reading this novel. I recommend you indulge in it as well.
-Kayla
The Book Thief by Call Number: YA ZusakISBN: 9780375831003Publication Date: 2006-03-14It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still. Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can't resist-books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement.
★★★★☆
I would definitely recommend this book to others because it has such a unique narration by Death. It was also a great book that kept you wanting to read more, and book from the time of World War II are very important to read because of the significance of that time and how many lives it impacted. I also loved how Ruby's interest in track and field, and Jesse Owens was incorporated into the story, and many of the characters including Rosa were very funny with some great lines. I would highly encourage finishing this book somewhere by yourself so you can be alone with your feelings because the ending is pretty upsetting.
-Rachel
Brave New World by Call Number: YA Huxley - ClassicsISBN: 9780060120375Publication Date: 1958-01-01The astonishing novel Brave New World, originally published in 1932, presents Aldous Huxley's vision of the future -- of a world utterly transformed. Through the most efficient scientific and psychological engineering, people are genetically designed to be passive and therefore consistently useful to the ruling class. This powerful work of speculative fiction sheds a blazing critical light on the present and is considered to be Huxley's most enduring masterpiece. Following Brave New World is the nonfiction work Brave New World Revisited, first published in 1958. It is a fascinating work in which Huxley uses his tremendous knowledge of human relations to compare the modern-day world with the prophetic fantasy envisioned in Brave New World, including threats to humanity, such as overpopulation, propaganda, and chemical persuasion.
★★★★☆
My honest opinion on this novel is that it is one of my favorite pieces that I've ever read. Personally, I enjoy reading books about dystopian societies. This is the most dystopian-like book I've ever read, compared to Divergent, The Hunger Games, The Giver, etc. Similar to those books, the government controls everything to make sure the place only runs the way they want it to. What makes the book unique is that there are no families, no God, no love and humans are created through a mass-production factory. Although, the ending was very stranger and I wish it wasn't that way. It seemed rushed, weak and unnecessary to end the way it did. Overall, I really enjoyed the novel and I would recommend it to people who enjoy dystopias.
-Tasnia
Chainsaw Man by ISBN: 9781974717279Publication Date: 2021-04-06Broke young man + chainsaw dog demon = Chainsaw Man! Denji was a small-time devil hunter just trying to survive a harsh world. After being killed on a job, Denji is revived by his pet devil-dog Pochita and becomes something new and dangerous--Chainsaw Man! Devil Extermination Special Division 4 is in serious trouble as a devil has sent a whole team of assassins to take Denji's heart. In order to survive the onslaught, Denji, Power and Aki will have to get stronger. But is Denji smart enough to learn how to control his devil powers? Can you can teach an old chainsaw-dog-devil new tricks?
★★★★★
Chainsaw Man was a wild ride from the start to finish, mainly due to reading it in basically one session. The worldbuilding in Chainsaw Man is fantastic. The world of Devils and Fiends is so interesting to see, as it is a very similar yet distorted reality compared to ours. The world, although incredibly interesting, is also really strange. Makima is a fascinating character. She is incredibly strong and you never know what is going through her head. The art in Chainsaw Man is breathtaking in the fight scenes and Denji’s chainsaw moments never disappoint, usually accompanied by a large amount of gore. The story has a lot of moments where it’s going for shock value, including twists and sudden character deaths. The pacing near the end of the story also speeds up massively, which adds to this shock factor. The characters in the story all are all fundamentally flawed, which represents the imperfection in their world. Chainsaw Man is a sort of an experiment in a sort of unhinged writing and that is what makes it so enrapturing. It’s a truly a unique experience. An anime adaptation to the series will be coming out in later 2021.
-Alex
The City of Ember by Call Number: J DuPrauISBN: 9780375822735Publication Date: 2003-05-13The city of Ember was built as a last refuge for the human race. Two hundred years later, the great lamps that light the city are beginning to dim. When Lina finds part of an ancient message, she's sure it holds a secret that will save the city. Now, she and her friend Doon must race to figure out the clues to keep the lights on. If they succeed, they will have to convince everyone to follow them into danger. But if they fail? The lights will burn out and the darkness will close in forever.
★★★★☆
This story was a lot of fun and super easy to read. Despite the predictable plot twists at times, the fact that the characters had to figure out the clues from the damaged instructions was exciting. I also like how this book reminds me of The Giver, which is probably my favorite book I have read so far. If you are looking for a good science fiction book to read, I highly recommend you give The City of Ember a try.
-Tehya
Come Find Me by ISBN: 9780525578291Publication Date: 2019-01-29After surviving an infamous family tragedy, sixteen-year-old Kennedy Jones has made it her mission to keep her brother's search through the cosmos alive. But then something disturbs the frequency on his radio telescope--a pattern registering where no signal should transmit. In a neighboring county, seventeen-year-old Nolan Chandler is determined to find out what really happened to his brother, who disappeared the day after Nolan had an eerie premonition. There hasn't been a single lead for two years, until Nolan picks up an odd signal--a pattern coming from his brother's bedroom. Drawn together by these strange signals--and their family tragedies--Kennedy and Nolan search for the origin of the mysterious frequency. But the more they uncover, the more they believe that everything's connected--even their pasts--as it appears the signal is meant for them alone, sharing a message that only they can understand. Is something coming for them? Or is the frequency warning them about something that's already here?
★☆☆☆☆
I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone because it was not that interesting to read. There was no antagonist, which I did not like, however the author did manage to create conflict without one. The plot was very basic and unoriginal, but I did enjoy that it was of the romantic genre. Overall, it wasn't a story that could leave you hanging at the edge of your seat waiting for what is to come next.
-Zophia
Edens Zero by Call Number: YA Edens Zero – MangaISBN: 9781632367563Publication Date: 2018-11-06All the steadfast friendship, crazy fighting, and blue cats you've come to expect... IN SPACE! PATH TO DESTINY: At Granbell Kingdom, an abandoned amusement park, Shiki has lived his entire life among machines. But one day, Rebecca and her cat companion Happy appear at the park's front gates. Little do these newcomers know that this is the first human contact Granbell has had in a hundred years! As Shiki stumbles his way into making new friends, his former neighbors stir at an opportunity for a robo-rebellion... And when his old homeland becomes too dangerous, Shiki must join Rebecca and Happy on their spaceship and escape into the boundless cosmos.
★★★★☆
Edens Zero is a manga series that is written by Hiro Mashima, also the author of Fairy Tail. This series is like a sci-fi version of Fairy Tail, with similar characters, but it also has a much clearer objective than Fairy Tail. I really enjoyed reading this manga, each character's introduction is unique and interesting, and the author’s writing makes you want to read more. This story illustrates well-written characters with good character development, as well as amazing fight scenes. Contrary to Fairy Tail, I believe that this story has a much faster-paced beginning, and it jumps right into the storyline from the get-go. However, similar to Fairy Tail, this story also implements comedic and memorable moments of the main characters and recurring characters from previous arcs. I haven’t found anything in this story that I personally dislike, but it is still fairly new, and it continues to update.
-Edward
Eeny Meeny by ISBN: 9780451475497Publication Date: 2015-06-02Two people are abducted, imprisoned, and left with a gun. As hunger and thirst set in, only one walks away alive. It's a game more twisted than any Detective Helen Grace has ever seen. If she hadn't spoken with the shattered survivors herself, she almost wouldn't believe them. Helen is familiar with the dark sides of human nature, including her own, but this case--with its seemingly random victims--has her baffled. But as more people go missing, nothing will be more terrifying than when it all starts making sense...
★★★★★
This first book of the seven in the Helen Grace series was my favorite. It was the novel that introduced me to the expertise in the writings of Arlidge, I expect many more great things in his new novels. The suspense as well as the struggle portrayed by the protagonist's experiences are the most enjoyable aspects of the novel. The twist ending shocked me and left me waiting for the next novel to be published. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mystery novels, as well as novels with a powerful and adaptive protagonist. This page-turner caused me to finish it within days.
-Omar
The Fault in Our Stars by Call Number: YA GreenISBN: 9780525478812Publication Date: 2012-01-10Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumors in her lungs. for now. Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too - post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and - shockingly, to her - interested in Hazel.
★★★★☆
This book was so good but really sad. I would recommend this to someone who loves to cry because you do a lot of that when reading this story. The reason I liked this book was because although it was sad, it had a really surprising and sad ending. This book had a lot of twists and was really good, but I didn't like how much it made me cry.
-Bella
A Game of Thrones by Call Number: MARTINISBN: 9780553103540Publication Date: 1996-08-01Winter is coming. Such is the stern motto of House Stark, the northernmost of the fiefdoms that owe allegiance to King Robert Baratheon in far-off King's Landing. There Eddard Stark of Winterfell rules in Robert's name. There his family dwells in peace and comfort: his proud wife, Catelyn; his sons Robb, Brandon, and Rickon; his daughters Sansa and Arya; and his bastard son, Jon Snow. Far to the north, behind the towering Wall, lie savage Wildings and worse--unnatural things relegated to myth during the centuries-long summer, but proving all too real and all too deadly in the turning of the season. Yet a more immediate threat lurks to the south, where Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King, has died under mysterious circumstances. Now Robert is riding north to Winterfell, bringing his queen, the lovely but cold Cersei, his son, the cruel, vainglorious Prince Joffrey, and the queen's brothers Jaime and Tyrion of the powerful and wealthy House Lannister--the first a swordsman without equal, the second a dwarf whose stunted stature belies a brilliant mind. All are heading for Winterfell and a fateful encounter that will change the course of kingdoms. Meanwhile, across the Narrow Sea, Prince Viserys, heir of the fallen House Targaryen, which once ruled all of Westeros, schemes to reclaim the throne with an army of barbarian Dothraki--whose loyalty he will purchase in the only coin left to him: his beautiful yet innocent sister, Daenerys.
★★★★★
A Game of Thrones is every fantasy fan’s dream. It has medieval: kings, lords, knights and dragons. A Game of Thrones also has magic and people with supernatural forces. A Game of Thrones is pretty long – 807 pages with small text. It’s a great book and I believe it’s a book every fantasy lover needs to read at some point in their lives.
-Saul
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by Call Number: YA RowlingISBN: 9781338099133Publication Date: 2016-07-31The Eighth Story. Nineteen Years Later. It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn't much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children. While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.
★☆☆☆☆
I did enjoy reading this book, it was filled with many shocking events that I definitely didn't expect. However, I was a little disappointed in many of the outcomes, therefore making me decide not to recommend this book to others, especially big fans of Harry Potter who would be infuriated with some of the events. To begin, this book clearly sounded like some fanfiction I could find on the internet due to its outrageous plot and obnoxious characters. Harry and Ron acted nothing like themselves; Harry would have never yelled at his own son the way he did and Ron was just plain clueless, which isn't anything like their personalities. Hermione and Ron also wouldn't have raised their daughter Rose to have been so rude and snobby. Lastly, the ending was extremely surprising, but it just seemed out of place and felt like a last-minute idea that was quickly pushed in, and it just made the book even more crazy and ridiculous than it already was.
-Rachel
The Jungle by Call Number: SINCLAIR-CLASSICSISBN: 9781593081645Publication Date: 2004-09-20Upton Sinclair's muckraking masterpiece The Jungle centers on Jurgis Rudkus, a Lithuanian immigrant working in Chicago's infamous Packingtown. Instead of finding the American Dream, Rudkus and his family inhabit a brutal, soul-crushing urban jungle dominated by greedy bosses, pitiless con-men, and corrupt politicians. While Sinclair's main target was the industry's appalling labor conditions, the reading public was most outraged by the disgusting filth and contamination in American food that his novel exposed. As a result, President Theodore Roosevelt demanded an official investigation, which quickly led to the passage of the Pure Food and Drug laws. For a work of fiction to have such an impact outside its literary context is extremely rare. (At the time of The Jungle's publication in 1906, the only novel to have led to social change on a similar scale in America was Uncle Tom's Cabin.) Today, The Jungle remains a relevant portrait of capitalism at its worst and an impassioned account of the human spirit facing nearly insurmountable challenges.
★★★★★
Personally, I really enjoyed this book. In history, we learn the general idea of industrialization, but never the stories that come with it. I thought that having many family members, who all have different backgrounds, made the story more interesting. One of my favorite parts of the story was the meat making and packing process described by the characters. We learn that during the summers, it is hot, dark and sticky with blood everywhere. Also, the bosses do not care that anything could have accidentally ended up in the "batter." After reading the processes, I became more aware of the food I bought, which scared and grossed me out. Another one of my favorite parts was when Jurgis was invited to Freddie Jones's house. Freddie was very wealthy and nice, which was a great "breather" from all the hardships Jurgis went through. The description of his house, along with his small problems, was an awesome contrast to the rest of the story. This novel was easy to follow along and very enjoyable. This book also made me realize that my everyday "problems" were nothing compared to theirs. The Jungle was an eye-opening book that I recommend everyone read.
-Winnie
Komi Can't Communicate by Call Number: YA Komi - MangaISBN: 9781974707126Publication Date: 2019-06-11The journey to 100 friends begins with a single conversation. Socially anxious high school student Shoko Komi's greatest dream is to make some friends, but everyone at school mistakes her crippling social anxiety for cool reserve! With the whole student body keeping their distance and Komi unable to utter a single word, friendship might be forever beyond her reach. Timid Tadano is a total wallflower, and that's just the way he likes it. But all that changes when he finds himself alone in a classroom on the first day of high school with the legendary Komi. He quickly realizes she isn't aloof--she's just super awkward. Now he's made it his mission to help her on her quest to make 100 friends!
★★★★★
Komi Can't Communicate has become one of my favorite manga over time. It’s always exciting when I see that a new chapter has come out, and I enjoy every second of reading it. For a romantic comedy, it is considered one of the longer series, and it is still going with more chapters. It contains a lot of fluff, but I enjoy those kinds of nice moments. It is a rather slow-burn, but the actual moments of romance are very cute. Komi-san is an absolute treasure (both the manga and the character), and Tadano is a great male lead. The comedy in this manga is also expertly done. Most characters in the manga have names which are puns. For example, komyushou means communication disorder, relating to her full name, Komi Shouko. Tada no means “just a” and hito means “guy,” meaning that Tadano Hitohito translates to something like “just an ordinary guy.” The side characters are interesting and many are recurring characters that add to the comedy. Overall, it’s definitely a worthy manga to put your time into, and it’s coming out with an anime later this year, so it’s definitely the perfect time to start reading!
-Alex
The Last Universe by ISBN: 9780810958586Publication Date: 2005-04-01When her desperately ill older brother insists that she take him into their mysterious backyard garden, designed by their quantum physicist great uncle, fourteen-year-old Susan discovers that things are not always what they seem.
★★★★☆
I loved this book! It was super exciting and kept me on my toes the entire time. The idea of multiple universes being accessed so easily was really cool. When they left the universe they disappeared, which kind of added a sad twist considering they would leave their whole family heartbroken that they're gone. I would recommend this book to people who like science fiction novels and even someone who doesn't because it's very interesting and has a lot of cool twists.
-Bella
Me Before You by Call Number: MOYESISBN: 9780670026609Publication Date: 2012-12-31They had nothing in common until love gave them everything to lose... Louisa Clark is an ordinary girl living an exceedingly ordinary life--steady boyfriend, close family--who has never been farther afield than their tiny village. She takes a badly needed job working for ex-Master of the Universe Will Traynor, who is wheelchair-bound after an accident. Will has always lived a huge life--big deals, extreme sports, worldwide travel--and now he's pretty sure he cannot live the way he is. Will is acerbic, moody, bossy--but Lou refuses to treat him with kid gloves, and soon his happiness means more to her than she expected. When she learns that Will has shocking plans of his own, she sets out to show him that life is still worth living. A Love Story for this generation, Me Before You brings to life two people who couldn't have less in common--a heartbreakingly romantic novel that asks, What do you do when making the person you love happy also means breaking your own heart?
★★★★★
This book was very inspiring. It taught me to live my life to the fullest while I can because you never know what could happen. The main irony in the book was that Will got hurt while living a normal life and not while he was on one of his adventures. This novel was both sad and beautiful. It definitely plays with your emotions and breaks your heart numerous times as you read it. I really enjoyed how the book was written. Moyes told most of the story through Louisa’s point of view and it was humorous and enjoyable. Not only that, she also gave glimpses of what other characters were thinking and feeling by writing a certain chapter through their point of view. It really helped with character development and I understood the character better after they had their own chapter. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a good love story that isn’t sappy. Moyes told it in a way that the characters didn’t really know that they were in love but the reader could tell that they were. This really elevated the story and I enjoyed it very much.
-Ella
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Call Number: J Riggs - TWEENISBN: 9781594746031Publication Date: 2013-06-04A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. A strange collection of very curious photographs. ;It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow--impossible though it seems--they may still be alive.
★★★★★
This book was recommended to me by my psychology teacher. I thought to myself “I already watched the movie and really enjoyed it. So why not give the book a try?” So I did, and I’m really glad that I did that. From the first chapter the book pulls you in. What keeps you captivated and interested, besides the plot line, are the pictures. I kept reading so I can reach each picture and see how it connects to the story. I thought it was really cool the incorporation of so many pictures in the book. How the pictures somehow always fit perfectly with what was going on, and how many pictures there are! All the pictures are vintage...which makes me wonder, how did these pictures come to be? I highly recommend this book (and movie) and I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the series.
-Nicole
My Sister's Keeper by Call Number: PICOULTISBN: 9780743454520Publication Date: 2004-04-06Anna is not sick, but she might as well be. By age thirteen, she has undergone countless surgeries, transfusions, and shots so that her older sister, Kate, can somehow fight the leukemia that has plagued her since childhood. The product of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, Anna was conceived as a bone marrow match for Kate -- a life and a role that she has never challenged...until now. Like most teenagers, Anna is beginning to question who she truly is. But unlike most teenagers, she has always been defined in terms of her sister -- and so Anna makes a decision that for most would be unthinkable, a decision that will tear her family apart and have perhaps fatal consequences for the sister she loves. My Sister's Keeper examines what it means to be a good parent, a good sister, a good person. Is it morally correct to do whatever it takes to save a child's life, even if that means infringing upon the rights of another? Is it worth trying to discover who you really are, if that quest makes you like yourself less? Should you follow your own heart, or let others lead you?
★★★★★
Jodi Picoult is an amazing author; all of her books were done in unique ways. There were so many positive elements. One of those great elements was the diverse characters. There were so many different characters and they were all very relatable. Because the book is realistic fiction, the characters all had real traits and personalities. Each reminded me of people that I know. Also, the book is very descriptive; I got a vivid mental image of each character and everything that happens. Every chapter played out like a movie in my head. It’s such a well put together book and you can never put it down. You always want to keep on reading just so you can find out what happens. This kept the book from being boring and kept me hooked from beginning to end. My Sister’s Keeper made me particularly emotional when I was reading it. The plot made me look at my relationships with everyone in my family, and made me think about what I would do if I was in Anna’s shoes.
-Vishwa
★★★★★
I admire the way this novel was written. It gave just the right information at the right times, never too revealing in one point but enough to keep the reader guessing until the end. I also have to commend the author for the unconventional questions it raises - ones more people don't even have to think about, or at least try not to. I also love the metaphor of fire throughout the novel. One character, an arsonist, starts a fire as a cry for help, and another character, a firefighter, uses his job as an excuse to stay away from his house. Overall, My Sister's Keeper was intriguing, getting you to think, question and interpret all while constantly staying a step ahead of the reader. I would definitely recommend this novel to any friend or book lover.
-Laura
Needful Things by Call Number: KINGISBN: 9780670839537Publication Date: 1991-10-01Leland Gaunt opens a new shop in Castle Rock called Needful Things. Anyone who enters his store finds the object of his or her lifelong dreams and desires: a prized baseball card, a healing amulet. In addition to a token payment, Gaunt requests that each person perform a little "deed," usually a seemingly innocent prank played on someone else from town. These practical jokes cascade out of control and soon the entire town is doing battle with itself. Only Sheriff Alan Pangborn suspects that Gaunt is behind the population's increasingly violent behavior.
★★★★★
This work of horror fiction by Stephen King is one of the greatest novels I have ever read. It is comedic and serious all at once. Every chapter is told from a different character's perspective, so you can feel like you can relate to and really know all of them. The gradual change from a quiet town to chaos is not what you would expect, which is why I enjoyed the book. Stephen King's final story of Castle Rock is indubitably a must-read for another who enjoys reading any kind of horror novels or page-turners you can really get attached to.
-Omar
One Piece by Call Number: YA One Piece - MangaISBN: 9781569319017Publication Date: 2003-09-02Join Monkey D. Luffy and his swashbuckling crew in their search for the ultimate treasure, One Piece! As a child, Monkey D. Luffy dreamed of becoming King of the Pirates. But his life changed when he accidentally gained the power to stretch like rubber...at the cost of never being able to swim again! Years, later, Luffy sets off in search of the "One Piece," said to be the greatest treasure in the world... As a child, Monkey D. Luffy was inspired to become a pirate by listening to the tales of the buccaneer "Red-Haired" Shanks. But his life changed when Luffy accidentally ate the Gum-Gum Devil Fruit and gained the power to stretch like rubber...at the cost of never being able to swim again! Years later, still vowing to become the king of the pirates, Luffy sets out on his adventure...one guy alone in a rowboat, in search of the legendary "One Piece," said to be the greatest treasure in the world...
★★★★☆
One Piece is a very long manga series, and it is even known to be one of the “Big Three” mangas, along with Bleach and Naruto, for its amazing, action-packed storytelling. I enjoy this manga very much, and I even watched the anime adaptation all the way through to the current arc about 3 times. This manga is a great example of what a good shonen manga should present: it has a lot of amazing fight scenes, quirky and unique character designs, and well-thought-out character development. However, there are cons when there are pros. A common problem for most people to avoid One Piece is the fact that it’s too long, there are times when an arc is drawn out for longer than it should, and there are even times when an arc is unnecessary (and it’s bad, Ex. “Davy Back Fight” arc). Overall, the manga is amazing, it’s great for those who enjoy the action-fantasy genre, and you could also watch the anime version for thriller scenes and movies.
-Edward
The Outsiders by Call Number: YA Hinton - ClassicISBN: 9780140385724Publication Date: 1988-09-01Ponyboy can count on his brothers and his friends, but not on much else besides trouble with the Socs, a vicious gang of rich kids who get away with everything, including beating up greasers like Ponyboy. At least he knows what to expect--until the night someone takes things too far. S. E. Hinton's classic story of a boy who finds himself on the outskirts of regular society remains as powerful today as it was the day it was written.
★★★★☆
I would recommend this book to others due to the constant feeling of wanting to continue reading. This book was very well written and filled with many shocking and suspenseful events that made you want to know what happened next. A lot of the characters had such strong personalities which made it easier to relate to and connect with for knowing so much about them. There were parts that included violence, fighting and arguments between Ponyboy and his oldest brother Darry, but in the end it all ended well and their family was restored by their love and care for each other.
-Rachel
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Call Number: YA ChboskyISBN: 9780671027346Publication Date: 1999-02-01The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a funny, touching, and haunting modern classic. The critically acclaimed debut novel from Stephen Chbosky, Perks follows observant "wallflower" Charlie as he charts a course through the strange world between adolescence and adulthood. First dates, family drama, and new friends. Sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Devastating loss, young love, and life on the fringes. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it, Charlie must learn to navigate those wild and poignant roller-coaster days known as growing up. A years-long #1 New York Times bestseller, an American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults and Best Book for Reluctant Readers, and with millions of copies in print, this novel for teen readers (or "wallflowers" of more-advanced age) will make you laugh, cry, and perhaps feel nostalgic for those moments when you, too, tiptoed onto the dance floor of life.
★★★★★
I thought Stephen Chbosky did a great job with this novel. Because I am in high school myself, I was able to relate to most of the characters and understand what they were going through. The constant plot twists kept me interested and the epistolary format was a nice touch. I also thought it was important that Chbosky brought up sensitive topics such as abortion and sexual harassment. Although I would've loved to eventually find out who Charlie was writing to, I really enjoyed reading this book. I highly recommend it.
-Tehya
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Call Number: YA HanISBN: 9781416968290Publication Date: 2010-04-06Some summers are just destined to be pretty. Belly measures her life in summers. Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. Winters are simply a time to count the weeks until the next summer, a place away from the beach house, away from Susannah, and most importantly, away from Jeremiah and Conrad. They are the boys that Belly has known since her very first summer--they have been her brother figures, her crushes, and everything in between. But one summer, one wonderful and terrible summer, the more everything changes, the more it all ends up just the way it should have been all along.
★★★★☆
At first glance, this may seem like another cheesy romance novel, but The Summer I Turned Pretty is a great story about a young teenage girl coming into her own. I especially liked the characters in this book. Even though Jeremiah and Conrad are brothers, they are completely different from one another. Jeremiah is outgoing and funny, while Conrad is more broody and serious. I can't decide which brother I like better! I also liked the way the author incorporated flashbacks into the story. The flashbacks gave more depth to the characters and really helped me understand them. Overall, this was a perfect beach read. and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the trilogy.
-Kayla
99 Days by Call Number: YA CotungoISBN: 9780062216380Publication Date: 2015-04-21Molly Barlow is facing one long, hot summer--99 days--with the boy whose heart she broke and the boy she broke it for... his brother. Day 1: Julia Donnelly eggs my house my first night back in Star Lake, and that's how I know everyone still remembers everything. She has every right to hate me, of course: I broke Patrick Donnelly's heart the night everything happened with his brother, Gabe. Now I'm serving out my summer like a jail sentence: Just ninety-nine days till I can leave for college and be done. Day 4: A nasty note on my windshield makes it clear Julia isn't finished. I'm expecting a fight when someone taps me on the shoulder, but it's just Gabe, home from college and actually happy to see me. "For what it's worth, Molly Barlow," he says, "I'm really glad you're back." Day 12: Gabe wouldn't quit till he got me to come to this party, and I'm surprised to find I'm actually having fun. I think he's about to kiss me--and that's when I see Patrick. My Patrick, who's supposed to be clear across the country. My Patrick, who's never going to forgive me.
★★★★☆
This novel had me on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading it. The author did an amazing job developing the characters, especially Molly Barlow. I was really able to connect to what Molly was going through and all the emotions she was feeling, even though I was not experiencing the events myself. It was also interesting to see Molly's feelings for Patrick and Gabe change throughout the novel and how she deal with loving both Donnelly brothers at the same time. The story was definitely entertaining and kept me wanting to read more. Although the ending could've been a little more exciting, it was still a fun book to read.
-Kayla
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