A 16 year old boy named Ponyboy has lived with his brothers since his parents died. He is part of a gang, and one day everything changes. His friend,Johnny, kills a member of a rival gang. The book is through Ponyboy's perspective and it details what happens after his friend kills someone.The boys have been exposed to violence their whole lives and now have to face life alone after they run away.

I really like this book, because the main character Ponyboy, has to deal with so much at such a young age. The book makes you think about how many young boys and girls are exposed to violence and have to deal with losing their parents. It was an emotional book, and has a strong message. The book teaches about the differences in society and how violence is a big problem.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has not experienced violence in their life so that they have an idea of what it's like. Honestly, I think everyone should read this book because it's emotional and makes you think about how young kids have to sometime take care of themselves while they deal with violence and pain.

Sandra, 16

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As his home life spirals downward and hope for a romance sputters out, thirteen-year-old Alan Green tries to convince his friends that their spying game has uncovered a real conspiracy to assassinate the governor.

I thought this book was quite interesting. I like how the code words in the game change into very serious interpretations leading into a possible conclusion.

I would recommend this book to those who love spy type books as well as interpersonal relations. This book is simply well-written. 

Melissa, 13

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The Outsiders written by S.E. Hinton, is an all-time classic filled with action, excitement, and more. In the novel, there are two rival gangs, the Socs and the Greasers. They cannot stand each other and always cause trouble. The main character, Ponyboy Curtis, is a part of the Greasers with his two brothers. Throughout the story, Ponyboy goes through many things that cause him to realize that the Greasers and the Socs are not so different from each other.

Not only is The Outsiders an all-time classic, it is also my all-time favorite. I am very grateful S.E. Hinton took the time to write this novel because it taught me that all the decisions you make come with a sacrifice, and you have to realize that. It also taught me that you create your own destiny with the choices you make. You should not let anyone tell you who to be or what to do. It'll make you burst into tears in some parts, laugh until your side hurts in others, and it'll sometimes make you just plain happy. I hope you take into consideration into reading this book. This book changed my life, and I know it will do the same for you.

I would recommend this novel to readers who are interested in action and dramatic novels. I would also recommend it to readers ages 13 and up because of its violence and inappropriate language. The Outsiders is a real page turner and life-changing book.

Sara, 14

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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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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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