This book was about five girls who all share a hatred of one common person. They pretend to plan out his murder, but only meant to prank him, not murder him. The night of their prank, their victim dies, exactly the way they planned. They now have to find the killer before it's too late.

The book was an interesting one to read, because it was suspenseful and kept you guessing throughout the entire book. It was good to read from all the switching perspectives throughout the book, showing you how each person thought.
 

I would recommend this book to others who like to read from different perspectives in a story. I would also recommend this book too people who like a suspenseful story. However, if you don't like switching perspectives, then this book might not be for you.

Natalie, 14

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Miles Halter is a teenage boy from Florida who decides to spend his junior year of high school at Culver Creek Boarding School in Alabama. He says that he is going to seek the "great perhaps," something more than himself. Everything changes for Miles when he meets Alaska Young, a girl with a troubled past. The book takes Miles and his new friends on an unforgettable journey that teaches them about the greater truths the world holds.

Looking for Alaska is one of the best books I've ever read. It makes you consider how in a flash, your entire life could change. It is extremely inspirational and well written. The characters in the book were so detailed and I almost felt like I knew them.

I would definitely recommend this book to young people, teens especially. I think that teenagers will definitely be able to relate to at least one aspect of the book. If you like stories that are emotional and about life, then Looking for Alaska is something you would enjoy.

Alex, 15

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Have you ever had that crush where you just think "will he never notice me"? Isla definitely has. She is a hopeless romantic and when she returns to school in Paris, Josh and Isla become closer than she could have ever imagined. But not all relationships are smooth sailing.

I genuinely wanted to like this book, but I thought it moved by way too fast. Also the main character went out of her way to find things wrong with her relationship which really annoyed me.

I would only recommend it if you have read the other books in the series, because they make cameos and you get to see what is up with them.

Audrey, 17

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Which would you rather do? Be an international spy or go to high school? Maggie Silver gets to be both. Coming back to New York for the first time in years, Maggie gets the chance to go on her first solo assignment at a ritzy private school to befriend a cute son of a potential national security threat, while of course not blowing her cover.

I really wanted to like this book, I read the synopsis and thought "Yes! A spy book!" However, it was really disappointing as the story-line fell flat.

I wouldn't recommend this book because like I said before, the plot was uneventful. Also the the book felt really rushed, if there had been at least another 50 pages, it could have turned out a lot better.

Audrey, 16

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Mallory has just been cheated on by an online girlfriend. Yes an online girlfriend. She comes to terms with her situation by de-modernizing her life, which means no computer, cell phone, or even an alarm clock. She gets inspired when she finds her grandmother's list from 1962 of new school year resolutions. With the help of her friends, sister, and surprisingly cute cousin of her ex, she figures out that in any generation being a teenage is always complicated.

I honestly really liked this book, because it was very refreshing (and comical) to read a story about getting rid of the one thing the teenage generation views as a necessity for life. I loved the humor and awkwardness that came with this book and often thought "What would I do in this situation?"

I think any teenager could relate to this book and the complications we would all have if someone suddenly yanked our iPhones out of our hands. It's one of those books that has a resolution/happy ending and this book makes it work, so therefore you should read it.

Audrey, 16

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Ryan Dean West, a 14-year old junior and rugby player has landed in "O Hall" due to some trouble-making. There, he meets some interesting characters, best friends, and participates in unusual activities that make his junior year unforgettable.

I absolutely loved Winger. Andrew Smith writes so well that the reader feels as if they personally know the character, Ryan Dean. His thoughts, feelings, and actions are very relatable. I would definitely recommend this book! It's filled with so much laughter, unexpected moments, and a lovable character who will resonate with readers.

CJ, 17

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An all boys high school is doing its annual chocolate fundraiser. It is required for the boys this year to sell a large number of boxes to support the school. Jerry Renault refuses to sell these chocolates. This act of standing up for his beliefs angers the organization running the school, and caused him to be a target for pain and anger. 

he Chocolate War is far from a bad book, but it wasn't one of my favorites. Most of its characters are well detailed, but don't seem to add much to the story. The message is strong, yet I feel it could be channeled in a different way than it was. The plot seems to take its time and focus on seemingly unrelated moments (like not focusing on the main character for multiple chapters), yet the book is obviously carefully written.

Personally, I wouldn't give it a recommendation. It just was not interesting or fun for me to read. The title was what caught my eye, and it wasn't the fight to the death using chocolate bars I hoped for. Despite that, anyone in need of a well written short novel, they might find some light in The Chocolate War.

Jakob, 15

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Confessions of a Serial Kisser follows Evangeline Logan on her quest to find a crimson kiss, or the perfect kiss. Evangeline has recently been through the divorce of her parents and upon finding a romance novel that describes the perfect kiss she becomes obsessed with finding her own crimson kiss. Through her journey she finds herself and learns how to reconnect with her father.

The book was pretty good, the story line was pretty repetitive but it was still really interesting to follow Evangeline on her quest to find the perfect kiss. The characters were pretty endearing, and it contained a nice ending due to the fact that Evangeline learns about herself through her journey to find the crimson kiss.

Yes, i would recommend this book, especially to girls because it follows Evangeline a sixteen year old girl through the difficult times of high school. It's also a good book for girls because it talks about the quest for the perfect kiss, and tho find a boy who actually likes you for who you are.

Daisy, 17

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Flawless is the second book in the Pretty Little Liars series and it continues to follow the four girls Hanna, Spencer, Aria and Emily. In this book A continues to send them messages that threaten to reveal their deepest darkest secrets. Things also get more complicated as Toby Cavanaugh, a boy who was tortured by Alison returns and appears to be A. The girls are faced with the decision to turn him into the police and reveal thier secrets or keep them and risk being exposed later on.

This book was alright. I think that the first book in the series, Pretty Little Liars, was much better. I think the storyline moved a little two slow but overall the actual plot was very interesting and keep you at the edge of your seat waiting to know what happens next.

I think that I would recommend this book. The story itself was pretty interesting and filled with drama and secrets. I would recommend it to those who read the first book or to viewers of the ABC Family show that is based on the books.

Daisy, 17

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Clay Jensen comes home to find a package addressed to him. In it, he finds casette tapes. When he plays the first one, he learns that they are recordings of Hannah Baker, a girl he had a crush on and who had recently committed suicide. Hannah states that there are 13 reasons why she decided to end her life and Clay is one of them.

13 Reasons Why is an excellent novel. It's a very disheartening story that conveys how much words and actions can affect people, no matter how seemingly insignificant and meaningless the actions may be. Jay Asher's novel, which is written exceptionally, is very haunting, somber, yet interesting and thought provoking.

I would definitely recommend 13 Reasons Why to teens. A myriad of kids these days suffer and witness bullying. Many would be able to relate with the adversities Hannah Baker faced. This story inspires people to act instead of be bystanders because doing nothing also has grave consequences. Although the story is very tragic, it leaves a positive impact on ones life.

CJ, 17

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Ruby, 17 and abandoned by her mother, is forced to live with her estranged older sister. Ruby is having trouble adjusting to living with her sister, in a mansion, and going to a private school. When she meets Nate, a handsome, popular, sweet, basically her polar opposite, she immediately finds him repulsive. Things change, however, when Ruby learns of Nate's secret.

The book is pretty great. It seems quite realistic therefore many would be able to understand both Ruby and Nate's situations. There are some nifty crossovers from Sarah Dessen's other books that may interest some readers.

I'd recommend this to anyone who wants a solid story. It's enjoyable and hits some heartstrings too. The characters are also very relatable and interesting which will sure draw in some readers.

4 stars

CJ, 17

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Melinda Sordino's freshmen year stages her as an outcast, friendless girl. Her action of calling the police at an end-of-summer party has left her speechless and unwilling to participate in activities. However, through Merlinda's art class, she gradually reveals that a senior abused her during the party, and that senior is still in school...

Speak is a fantastically strong book for multiple reasons. The author did an amazing job describing the surroundings through Merlinda's narration- it made me feel that I was actually with her. Melinda is a girl that is easy to relate to, and the topic is presented in a very smooth manner- not too dark, not too light.

If anyone wants a relatively short read with a big message, Speak is the one to consider. Personally though, I believe this is a book that all teens should read.

Jakob, 15

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Haven is tall and feels awkward with herself. Her parents are divorced, her dad remarries, and her sister is getting married at the end of summer. Her whole life is changing, and she feels as if she has no control. Then, one of her sister's old boyfriends comes back to town and she feels happy again. She remembers only good memories about when he and her sister were dating, back when their family was in one piece. It seems that every time something terrible goes wrong, he is there and it always cheers her up.

While reading, I felt indifferent about whether or not I liked it. I mean, it wasn't a waste of time, but it wasn't the best book every. Until I got to the end. I have a sister of my own, so I know how it feels to have a connection with someone so close. After reading the end, I loved the book and the relationship between Haven and Ashley.

I would recommend this book to any teenager. It's a quick book but it holds a lot of messages.

Chanel, 14

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Me and My Invisible Guy is about a girl named Mallory who makes up a pretend boyfriend, Todd, just to feel included at school. She is a cheerleader and the only virgin, so she figures that Todd is the only way out. But difficulties come when a cute new boy starts at the school she goes too. Not only is she overwhelmed with what to do, but her best friend is having major family problems at home.

This book really opens your eyes to the affects of peer pressure on teenagers. I personally enjoyed the book. I thought the whole story was interesting and an easy-read.

I would recommend this book to others because it shows the effects of peer pressure on teens. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a teenage story and an easy-read.

Chanel, 14

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