Friday, August 12, 2005

Princess in Love by Meg Cabot


This book is about Mia, a freshman in high school and the princess of Genovia, trying to reach self-actualization, get over problems in high school, and prepare for her trip to Genovia. While preparing to go to Genovia, she has to take princess lessons from her pushy grandmother, Dowager Princess of Genovia. As if that isn't hard enough, she has problems in her social and love life. For example, almost everyone in her school thinks she's a freak, she doesn't like her boyfriend, she is in love with her best friend's brother, Michael, and her best friend is a genius. I thought this story was very good. It's different from the movie, but it has it's own special twist to it. One thing that I didn't like was how Mia waited too long to tell Michael her feelings for him. This is because he might have felt the same way, and she's just too shy. The mood of the book was sometimes a bit negative, but it was still good. The thing that grabbed me was that it has problems you can relate to and understand. It's just a great book to read. -Jisun K.

Thursday, August 11, 2005

Skellig by David Almond


Michael was a young boy, eager to move into his new house. Now, his baby sister is ill, and a doctor nicknamed Dr. Death has come to call. Michael feels terrible and upset, until he steps into a crumbling garage. Underneath all the spiderwebs and dead flies lies a creature named Skellig. In this discovery, he can only consult his friend, Mina, the only one who will believe him. What is Skellig? An angel? A man? Or a bird?

SKELLIG is a touching mystery about the powers of friendship, nature, and the healing power of love. A truly haunting story, Skellig is unforgettable. A dark, moody story to the very end, David Almond weaves a beautiful tale, describing how fragile life can be at its end, or at its beginning. -Olivia R.

The Great God Pan by Donna Jo Napoli


Pan is a hybrid. A half goat, half god. He is cursed, and the curse states that he can transform into other creatures, but he cannot transform into a complete goat or god. He can only do this if he truly loves someone and she loves him back. Until now, he has lived in his forest home, dancing among the flowers and maenads, until he saw a human in the forest. Iphigenia, daughter of Helen and Theseus, but raised by Queen Clymenestra and king Agamemnon, soon learns to love Pan, and Pan loves her. The day Iphigenia's mother, Helen, is kidnapped, is the day Pan must make the most important choice of his life.

THE GREAT PAN is a touching story about true love, woven together magnificently by Donna Jo Napoli. This tale is wonderful for people who love reading about Greek myths and stories about Greek gods. This story has a light and happy mood, until the prophecies and the curse take place in the book. What caught my eye about this book was that it was by Donna Jo Napoli, an amazing writer that takes old myths, legends, and folktales and transforms them into amazing stories. -Olivia R.

The Kin by Peter Dickinson


In Neolithic Africa, the Moon hawk clan suddenly finds themselves driven from their home by murderous strangers. The clan leader takes what remains of the clan on a search for a new home, but is forced to leave the young and weak children behind to fend for themselves in the desert. For two older children, Suth and Noli, this is unacceptable. They go back to rescue the stranded children and are now faced with the enormous struggle for survival in the barren wasteland of the desert.

This epic adventure of these children's struggles to find a new home is one that the reader will find truly remarkable. This book is well-written and easy to follow while it captures the hardships and triumphs of these children creating an amazing entertaining novel. -Tanya j.

The Oracle Betrayed by Catherine Fisher


Timid and shy, Mirany was not the person expected to be chosen as the Bearer of the God. Even she is confused by the choice as her sel-confidence wavers. However, before she even has a chance to settle into her new position, she uncovers a horrific plot to betray the Oracle and the God. Against her will, she realizes that she is the only person who can save the future of the God and his people. Relying on the half-drunk musician, Oldek, and opportunistic scribe, Seth, she is faced with a challenge unlike anything the world has ever seen.

This novel is full of suspense and non-stop excitment. A story of betrayal, faith, and trust, the reader is kept on the edge of their seat throughout the entire plot. -Tanya J.

Doormat by Kelly McWilliams


This book is about a girl named Jaime. Her friend, Melissa, tells her she's pregnant, but Jaime doesn't believe her. After doing a pregnancy test, they realize that she's pregnant. But the problem is, Melissa is Catholic: and can't get abortion. Melissa refuses to tell her parents and is struck with morning sickness. One day during school, Zach, who is part of the drama club, overhears them talking and offers help. So basically, this book is about a girl telling her best friend she's pregnant, and her best friend helps her. I didn't really like this book that much. I thought it was sort of "plain". It was more like one event, then another and so on. I didn't find many details. It wasn't very touching. I give it a 6 out of 10. -Jisun K.

Pictures in the Dark by Patricia McCord


This is a really good but sad book. The main characters, Sarah, 12, and Carlie, 15, have a really big secret. They never know what may set off their mother. They dont know whether they'll get dinner, use the bathroom, get a bath, or talk to a new friend. And most likely, their dad doesn't know. This is a story about two girls who try to make their lives as normal as possible. When their mom gets a job, it's one of the most exciting news because they won't have to see their mother after school, therefore allowing them to use the bathroom, get something to eat, and talk on the phone. But one day, Carlie gets asked to a date with Jesse, the boy that works at a gas station nearby. Having nothing to wear, Carlie goes into her mother and father's bedroom when they are both at work and tries on one of her mother's dresses. But that day, their mother comes home early, and her mother screams mean names and beats Carlie while Sarah begs her mother to stop. The next morning, a very tired and angry Carlie decides to run away. Their mother thinks that she'll return later today, but she was proven wrong.

I really enjoyed reading this book because it was interesting how a broken up family can get back together. This story is very touching. It gives me hope because even though they had it bad, they made it through. So it makes me feel like I could make it, too. -Jisun K.

Princess in Waiting by Meg Cabot


PRINCESS IN WAITING is the sequel to Princess in Love. In my opinion they are both great books. In this one, Princess Mia is in Genovia, the country in which she is heir to the throne. Previously, in Princess in Love, Mia told Michael her feelings for him at the Winter Ball, and they became a couple. He had also felt the same way. But now, Mia is in Genovia for a month. While there, she had to give a televised Christmas Eve greeting to the Genovian public, meet Genovian Parliament, meet with the prime minister of England, and get her boyfriend a birthday present, and much more. For instance, her grandmother teaches her something about love. She says that you must keep Michael, or any other boyfriend she may have later on, keep "chasing" her. (ex. He should call, not you, many presents, etc.) Mia tells Tina, her friend, and they both decide that's just what they'll do. When she finally gets back to New York, Michael asks Mia to go on their first date, later ruined when she is forced to go to the Black and White ball with her grandmother, Dowager Princess of Genovia, on the same day. So now, Mia thinks that she is going to be dumped by Michael because she had to cancel their first date. I'm going to stop there so I won't give away the ending. I really enjoyed this book. The only thing I don't like is how Mia thought Michael was going to dump her just because she had to serve her country and had to cancel their first date. Like the last book, Mia waited too long to tell him, she's just too quiet and shy. I think this is a great book because for once in life, you don't just focus on your problems. This is a really cool book.
-Jisun K.

The Princess Present by Meg Cabot


This is another book from the Princess Diaries series. Mia, the main character, is in Genovia, and her best friend LIlly and her boyfriend Michael are coming from the states to spend their Christmas in Genovia. Mia's grandmother, Dowager Princess of Genovia, has royals all over the world coming to their castle for a Christmas ball. But unfortunately, many problems occur such as Mia and Lilly getting into a fight, cats coming for food, and a drowning cruise ship! I thought this book was pretty good. It wasn't as good as the other Princess Diaries book but I still liked it. I give this a 7 out of 10. The part I didn't like was how Lilly was hooking up with 3 guys in one day. She's supposed to be a genius! But besides that, I enjoyed reading this book. -Jisun K.

A Wizards Dozen: Stories of the Fantastic, edited by Michael Stearns

In A WIZARDS DOZEN there are many good stories of wizards. The one I will report on is "The Sixty-two Curses of Caliph Arenschadd". This Caliph is a very interesting man. He keeps a list of curses so that every time he gets mad at some people they get cursed, and then if they get cursed again they get cursed with the second curse which is worse, and this pattern keeps on going. One man is on a bad curse and is turned into a werewolf. To stop himself being turned into a werewolf, he apologizes, and it is accepted. He asks to have the curse removed, but there is no antidote. His son figures something to do and makes the Caliph really angry. The Caliph cursed him again and that got rid of the curse. The Caliph suddenly knew what had been done. He laughed and said don't do it again. This is a good book, but very magical. I enjoyed it considerably. -Joshua M.

Into the Cold Fire by Lynne Ewing


The Atrox wants Serena, and she doesn't know why, until she finds out she's the key. If Serena turns into a Follower, the balance between good and evil is shifted, and darkness will overrule the good. The Atrox offers her to become an Immortal. To do this, she must first step into the cold fire. The Daughter of the Moon think of a plan, but it gets messed-up in very surprising ways. Serena goes into the cold fire. Can her friends bring her back to the good side or will they die trying?

I enjoyed this book because it was thrilling and always had a surprise around the corner. -Nicole G.

Goddess of the Night by Lynne Ewing


Vanessa always knew she was different. She and her best friend, Catty. Vanessa can turn invisible, while Catty can time travel. They didn't think there was anyone else like them until they met Serena and her best friend, Jimena. Serena can read minds, and Jimena has premonitions. Serena takes Vanessa to see Maggie after Catty disappears. Maggie tells Vanessa that she is a goddess, a Daughter of the Moon. So are Serena, Jimena, and Catty. They have to work together to stop the evil forces of the Atrox and Followers. On top of all that, Vanessa has to figure out how to control her gift so that every time her new boyfriend, Michael, tries to kiss her she won't disappear before his eyes.

I loved this book because it was surprising and showed that even goddesses have problems. -Nicole G.

Night Shade by Lynne Ewing


Jimena has the gift to see premonitions, and so far she hasn't stopped one from happening. Jimena sees a premonition of Veto, who was once the love of her life, falling into the earth; but there is one problem. Veto's dead, or at least she thought he was. Veto was killed a year ago when Jimena was still in her gang. Veto was shot by a rival gang, but somehow he is coming to see her. At first she thought he was a ghost, but soon discovers he is all flesh and bone. That's not the only thing she discovers. Veto has made a deal with the Atrox that could cost them both their lives.

I loved this book. It was spooky and surprising at the same time. It shows that nothing will keep one lover from the one that he loves the most. Not even death! -Nicole G.

The Outcast of Redwall


THE OUTCAST OF REDWALL is a story of a badger lord named Sunfash the Mace, for his golden strire, and an evil ferret warlord named Swartt Sixclaw. Sunflash doesn't know it, but he is lord of a mountain called Salamandastron. Swartt has a son which he abandons, and a maid from Redwall finds him. She claims she can train him to be kind, but nobody believes her. My favorite part of the book is the battle between Sunflash and Swartt. -Michael K.

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner


Gen is in prison for bragging that he can steal anything. He is in jail for awhile when the magus sets him free because he wants Gen to steal something. Gen finds out it is Hamiathe's Gift, which is only a legend. The magus also tells Gen that the king wants the gift so he can marry the queen of Eddis. If the king has Hamiathe's Gift, the queen of Eddis will have to marry him. Gen doesn't even know if the Stone is real. Is there such a thing as Hamiathe's Gift, and can he get it? The Thief is very interesting, and I liked it very much. -Michael K.

Monday, August 08, 2005

Star Wars, Tyrant's Test by Michael P. Kube-Mcdowell


I thought this book was interesting. It is the third book in a trilogy by the same author. There are a few different stories that all wrap up together at the end. Chewbacca is visiting his family on his home planet. Luke is trying to locate his mother with the help of a new character, Akanah. She has a power similar to the Force called the Current. Lando, Lobot, and the droids are stuck on a mysterious ship that they just learned how to control. I like Luke and Lando;'s story, but the others were really boring. I recommend the book to any Star Wars fan. -Ellen D.

Girls in Pants by Ann Brashares


GIRLS IN PANTS was about four best friends on their third and last summer together. Lena deals with her father and how he doesn't want her to go to art school. Carmen has to take care of Valia, Lena's grandmother, and getting a new baby brother. Bridget works at soccer camp and meets an old friend. Tibby's little sister falls out of a tree. This book was good because it was about relations with other people, and I could relate to a lot of the scenarios. -Hannah K.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling


There have been many problems with the war, and they haven't been going well for the Ministry of Magic. Harry Potter gets suspicious of who are death eaters , and he learns about Voldemort's past and immortality. -Hannah K.

Ultimate Spider-man. Vol. 7: Irresponsible. Script by Brian Michael Bendis, pencils by Mark Bagley.

Unlike most graphic novels, this one is not completely loaded with action, which is good for a change. The Ultimate Spider-man series has definitely improved some, due to realistic dialogue, character interaction, and better artwork. The story is about the young superhero Spider-man (this time with no costume!) and another young boy with special abilities and an unknown origin. The X-Men mutants show up to help the foreign lad discover who and what he is. Overall, it was a fine reading, but the preachiness and teenage drama keep one from giving it a 5. -David D.

Batman: Hush Vol. 2 by Jeph Loeb; Jim Lee, penciller

This novel was even better than the first in the series. After catching Poison Ivy in the first volume, Batman finds out that she also was part of one huge scheme, the mastermind still unknown. While the relationship between Batman and Catwoman grows and develops, Batman comes closer to discovering the shocking identity of the mastermind and his twisted motives. Once again, I am stunned by the feelings displayed by each character and the remarkable art that makes this novel a perfect 5. -David D.

Batman: Hush Vol. 1 by Jeph Loeb; Jim Lee, penciller.

We've come a long way since the first 1950s comics. The old, corny dialogue has been replaced by memorable lines that make you feel that you're right there with the characters hearing everyone say. This graphic novel went way beyond my expectations. It's about a series of problems that have Batman stressed out. Turns out his nemesis, Poison Ivy, has been using her seductive powers to manipulate Batman's other enemies to cause trouble. Catwoman (one of the villans that was temporarily under Ivy's control) teams up with Batman, hoping to get revenge on Ivy. The chemistry between the two was outstanding, the way they play off each other. The greatest part of the novel was the breathtaking illustrations, each a mural of its own. -David D.