In the third installment of the Inheritance Cycle, Eragon encounters old enemies and new as well as some unexpected friends as he seeks to fight for the good and stop Galbatorix once and for all. With the help of his dragon Saphira, he embarks on yet another quest--but this time, his enemy may just be himself. As an avid follower of the Inheritance Cycle, I was pretty excited when this came out years ago. However, I was let down by the fact that the plot not only seemed to die down, but none of the chapters captured me except the part where the "Brisingr" part of the title comes into play. If you like fantasy, dragons, magic, and action, this series is for you, but be warned that the books get worse as they go. I can only hope that the last book will rectify everything and restore Eragon's world to its former glory. Also, these are very thick books (Harry Potter size) so if you don't like big books, I'd stick with something else.

3 stars

Erica, 16

• Find a copy at the library

An old classic, Of Mice and Men recounts the sad tale of a friendship between two men, George and Lennie. Although it is a short book, this novel will keep you at the edge of your seat despite its simplicity. Of Mice and Men is one of the few sad books that I like, just because of the messages and themes portrayed in the book. Even if you're not analyzing the brains out of this book in English class, this is still an enigmatic and enjoyable read. As the language and length of the book are short and simple, anyone can read this. However, there is some profanity and slightly vulgar references in this book, which is why I suggest at least 8th grade and up.

4 stars

Erica, 16

• Find a copy at the library

Claudia and Jamie Kincaid have run away from home to--of all places--the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the Big Apple. As they explore the museum's nooks and crannies, they eventually discover something bigger: a little mystery to solve and a secret to call their own. This has been one of my favorite books for years since I was in middle school, and it still is. It's a short read, but is absolutely enthralling and never ceases to draw me in every single time. Anyone of all ages can read this. It's an easy, relaxing read! If you liked watching Night at the Museum, you'll definitely like this book.

5 stars

Erica, 16

• Find a copy at the library

Twilight is about a girl who moves to the town of Forks, Washington. On her first day of school, she meets a mysterious boy, Edward Cullen; and for some reason he seems to hate her. She immediately goes through many ups and downs just to be with him. Twilight was well written and honestly, I loved it. The story line is just like Romeo and Juliet about how love can conquer all the twists and turns of life. The author did an amzing job making the book come to life. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves just a little bit of romance and a little bit of action all mixed together in one of the best books that I have ever read.

5 stars

Aleck, 14

• Find a copy at the library

12 districts offer up 2 tributes to participate in the Hunger Games, a deadly game created as punishment for when the districts rebelled. One girl, Katniss Everdeen, does the most shocking thing anyone has ever seen or heard... she volunteers for the Hunger Games when her sister is chosen at an event called the reaping. Soon after, she and Peeta Mellark, the other tribute from her district, are then taken away to the Capitol to begin their training to fight for their right to live. The Hunger Games is the most heart-stopping and palm sweating book I have ever read. Suzanne did the most amzing job in writing this book. It makes you rethink your opinions of the underdogs in any competition. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a great action, love, and adventure book. It has everything you could ever need in a book. It is greatly written.

5 stars

Aleck, 14

• Find a copy at the library

Anna Oliphant is your typical Southern girl who ends up transferring to a different school for senior year: boarding school, that is. In Paris. Shocked, bewildered, and more than a little angry at the sudden change of events, Anna finds herself unwilling to like Paris and uncomfortable in the polar-opposite environment. However, with the help of her new friends (and handsome Etienne St. Clair), she learns to fall in love with Paris after all. Anna and the French Kiss was the best comfort read I've read in a long time. It reminds me of pink cupcakes and tutus, sugar cookies and frosting. Sweet, fluffy, and all around very nice, even if the title choice leaves much to be desired. If you're a girly-girl or simply someone who likes to indulge in sweet love stories, you will definitely enjoy this book.

5 stars

Erica, 16

• Find a copy at the library

City of Bones is a story about a girl, Clary Fray, who finds out more about her family than she could have ever imagined. She finds that her mother used to fight evil monsters, that the boy she likes, or might even love, might be her brother who was supposed to be dead, and to top it all off... her father was the most evil and manipulative man in universe. Clary has seriously wished that she never went out that faithful night. City of Bones is a very magical book. It makes you want to look into your family history and see what is hiding. The story itself has so many interesting parts that it can not be put down. I would recommend City of Bones to anyone who loves a great action and adventure page turner. You have to have a lot of time for this book 'cause you'll never be able to put it down.

5 stars

Aleck, 14

• Find a copy at the library

The Gallagher Girls are back--and Cameron "Chameleon" Morgan has been tangled up in her newest web of troubles: this time involving a mysterious spy school just like the Gallagher Academy for Girls, but for boys! What's even worse, one of the boys has his eyes on Cammie...the battle between the Gallagher Girls and Blackthorne Boys has begun. I loved this book. The Gallagher Girls series is always spunky and exciting, and there was not one moment where I got bored. Any 7th grade and up girl would enjoy this book! If you like spy genres or books with strong female protagonists, this series is definitely for you.

5 stars

Erica, 16

• Find a copy at the library

Cat is funny, smart, and a little bit sarcastic--but she's fat and she's had enough of the teasing and the ridicule, especially by her ex-double-crossed-best-friend Matt McKinney. That's where her science project comes in: as her own experiment, Cat is going to go back to humanity's roots (the hominids) and change her lifestyle completely. Watch out Matt McKinney, the new and improved Cat is coming in! I loved seeing Cat's classmates' reactions to her "after" phase, though I don't agree that girls have to be "skinny" to be "happy" and "popular". This book gives a slightly different dimension to it, however, by focusing less on the "skinny" and more on the "healthy". Despite its predictability, I still think that Fat Cat was overall a book worth reading. Girls who are looking for a humorous read and a spunky, slightly insecure (okay, make that REALLY insecure) main character would love this book. Anyone above 8th grade would relate to this book the most, and would probably get the most out of it.

3 stars

Erica, 16

• Find a copy at the library

Nick Gautier, age 14, is the smartest kid in school, even if he only has his mother and is living on scholarship. Nick soon finds himself learning that things that go bump in the night... are actually real! He befriends Kyrian, a man who gives him a job and apparently fights demons. He has new enemies and they make his old ones look like wimps compared to them. He needs to save the world and he needs help doing so. Nothing can go wrong, right? Infinity is a great story of how a boy can go from a normal outcast to the most wanted person in the universe. This book is the most aggravating thing I have ever read, and I never put it down. I recommend this book to anyone who loves scary fiction and can relate to being a social outcast.

5 stars

Aleck, 14

• Find a copy at the library