Book Review: The Presence by Eve Bunting

The Presence
by Eve Bunting
Non-series

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN-10: 0-547-48032-6
ISBN-13: 978-0-547-48032-9
Publication Date: September, 2010
List Price: $7.99

Review: Imagine your best friend dying in a car accident, but you survive. Your parents think you should take some time off so you go to visit your grandma in California. A man tells you has talked to your deceased friend. This is what 17 year old Catherene must deal with in the book The Presence by Eve Bunting. Catherene has had a tough time ever since her best friend Kirsty died in a car crash, but when Catherene meets a mysterious man who says he can talk to the dead, things get strange. The Presence is a romance/ghost story.

Catherene's grandma is watching over her 24/7 because in the newspaper she reads that a girl just like Catherene has disappeared. Catherene's grandma works at the local church where Catherene meets Noah, a mysterious man (who's a ghost) who says he has talked to Kirsty (CREEPY!!!). So when Catherene starts to get know Noah, he starts to show feelings for her. Then Grandma's neighbor, Miss Lovelace, gives Catherene her diary from her childhood. When Catherene starts reading the diary everything gets really freaky because it turns out Miss Lovelace knew Noah when she was a child. Since Miss Lovelace is really old, how is this possible when Noah is only 17?

This book really wasn't for me. Based on the title and the cover of the book, it seems as if this should be a ghost story, however it's mostly a romance novel. The pace of this book at times is slow and occasionally the wording is a little confusing. Catherene tends to whine frequently so it's hard to like her. If you like mystery/romance novels, this book is good for you. The book is a ghost story, but only because there's a ghost in it. The most thrilling part is the end because it's very suspenseful and if you need to pick a book for a report this is a good, uncomplicated book to write about.

Review written by Kyle (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of The Presence for this review.

Have you read The Presence? How would you rate it?

Book Review: The Genius Wars by Catherine Jinks

The Genius Wars
by Catherine Jinks
Genius Trilogy

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN-10: 0-15-206619-5
ISBN-13: 978-0-15-206619-2
Publication Date: September, 2010
List Price: $17.00

Review: Look behind you. Are you sure no one is following? Let’s hope not, because then you might have just as much bad luck as Cadel, the main character of The Genius Wars , by Catherine Jinks. Cadel, 15 years old, has finally got it good; nice foster parents, a good education and good friends. But life for this genius doesn’t stay all great. Matter of fact, it’s about to get worse than ever before, as his friends start going to the hospital. This is a science fiction book but it is set only a little bit into the future. This the final book in the Genius Trilogy , so if you read the first and second books, Evil Genius and Genius Squad, you know that this is a very important book to read.

Cadel is living a normal life until Prosper English, his old enemy starts popping up on CCTV camera networks and the police learn about it. Cadel then gets called up to the big leagues to help his detective dad and cops catch this criminal. But it will be hard since Prosper English has genius criminals helping him do his dirty work. And if that isn’t hard enough, every friend or person associated with Cadel is ending up hurt. Cadel can’t take it. He hacks in to the hospital’s computer system and says he’s dead. Everyone believes it. Next he takes a trip to America to meet up with some old friends and hopefully find Prosper English and end his schemes for good. Will he do it? Will Prosper point a gun at his head again? Or maybe it’s just a false alarm? You’ll never know until you read this book.

Overall, I liked The Genius Wars . I also love the author and the way she can squeeze three genres into one: action, sci-fi, and a little mystery. The characters are portrayed very well but I’m not sure we get to learn that much about them. The dialogue is Australian, but you can still understand it easily. If it concerns you there are a few swears in it. The overall story is very addicting but it will make it much easier to understand if you read the first two books because a lot of characters are from the first two books. The ending is a little sad and comes to an abrupt stop, but it is the end of the series. You will want to keep reading this book even after it ends. This book is not slow and it will never become slow. Action is a key component to the story. Like I said before, this book has excitement that will never stop. So if you are a fan of sci-fi, action, or even mystery you might like this book. I’d rate it a big 9/10 because it isn’t my absolute favorite, but it sure is one of them. Put down your video game controllers, and head to the store to buy this one, because this book has a much higher entertainment level than that T.V.

Review written by Sean (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of The Genius Wars for this review.

Have you read The Genius Wars? How would you rate it?

Book Review: Payback Time by Carl Deuker

Payback Time
by Carl Deuker
Non-series

Hyperion Books
ISBN-10: 0-547-27981-7
ISBN-13: 978-0-547-27981-7
Publication Date: September, 2010
List Price: $16.00

Review: Imagine a brown ball spiraling through the air, the sound of the ball hitting the hands of a football player, and thousands of fans cheering. Mitch True has to report every moment for the high school newspaper the Lincoln Light. Dan "Mitch" True is a senior in high school who works on the school newspaper. Payback Time by Carl Dueker captures what it's like to go to high school and be holding a secret that could affect the whole school. Payback Time is a sports fiction novel that teaches a little lesson. It's Payback Time!

This story mostly takes place in a high school where Mitch has a down moment with his newspaper. Reporting the sports events for Mitch isn't always the best. He finds out about the background of one of the new players Angel Marichal. It isn't a pretty story. Mitch doesn't know the whole story so he tries to look into Angel's past. He doesn't always find what he needs but he does come up with numerous possibilities. Could Angel be at Lincoln High School, even though he shouldn't be? Does the football coach have anything to do with this? Is this the story Mitch has been waiting for, for his entire life?

I enjoyed reading this book so much. Sometimes I couldn't put it down. Carl Dueker really keeps the pace but he doesn't skimp on the detail. He describes the football games with an amount of detail that is unimaginable. He uses great language like"It was baffling. There sat Angel, off by himself at the end of the bench. Had McNulty forgotten about him? How does a high school football coach forget six foot three and 220 pounds of muscle in a game where his team was being out muscled?" He kept you on your toes and you never knew what was going to happen next. I really got into the plot. Mitch True is not exactly in shape. He isn't the most handsome guy in school either. I was hooked right of the bat. It didn't take long for the story to heat up. Mitch True could have the story of his life but if he published it he could be putting someone in danger. He tries to figure all of this out and more with the help of his friend Kimi Yon. The ending was great. It wasn't disappointing like other endings I have read. I rate this out of this world book an amazing 5 stars!

Review written by Kathryn (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Payback Time for this review.

Have you read Payback Time? How would you rate it?

Book Review: Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers

Personal Demons
by Lisa Desrochers
Non-series

Tor Teen
ISBN-10: 0-7653-2808-9
ISBN-13: 978-0-7653-2808-3
Publication Date: September, 2010
List Price: $9.99

Review: Moses and Hitler - two people with an uncanny ability to influence people - each fighting for a different side. What made Moses sway his followers to do good, and Hitler influence his followers to do evil? In Lisa Desrochers' novel, Personal Demons , the answer becomes alarmingly clear. Moses was "tagged" for Heaven, while Hitler was "tagged" for Hell. Little does high school student, Mary Francis Cavanaugh, know, her name will one day be as known as Moses and Hitler - and her soul is up for the taking. Will Heaven be able to tag her first, or will the Demon sent from Hell beat him to it?

Frannie feels she is just like every other kid. In fact, she's certain she is far less remarkable than most. However, when two new students come to Haden High, Frannie's life is turned upside down. Luc is gorgeous beyond belief. He has a hint of danger and is hot - literally. Even though Frannie senses Luc is untrustworthy and dangerous, she is uncharacteristically draw to him. When he makes it clear that he wants Frannie, and nobody else, she's at a loss. Gabe, on the other hand, is almost glowing with beauty. Around Gabe, Frannie feels peace and calm. She is overwhelmed with the sense of love she feels with him almost instantly. Both boys, one fighting for good and the other for evil have but one plan for their time at Haden High - to tag Frannie's soul. It doesn't take long, however, for Luc and Gabe to realize that this isn't the normal every day tagging. They find in the end that there is a greater battle awaiting them. Which one will take her heart? And more importantly, which one will take her soul?

Personal Demons is an exciting journey through good an evil. It is every teenage girl's dream to have the two most gorgeous boys fighting over her, and Frannie's living that dream. However, that dream's not all it seems. Readers will find themselves hoping for Frannie to choose wisely, to be tagged for Heaven, but Luc's character is so charming and develops seamlessly throughout the story that readers will question their own judgment. Personal Demons contains all elements of a good teen fiction novel, romance, danger, intrigue, and relationships with peers and parents. Frannie wants to be her own person, but the rest of the world won't seem to let her. It's exciting to see her fight against the pull the boys have, and to rebel against her strong Catholic upbringing and "Leave it to Beaver" parents. Plus, the storyline is thought-provoking. What if there really were angels and demons living among people tagging their souls? Readers will find themselves wondering if they've been tagged! It is important to suspend disbeliefs a little, though when reading the novel. It is hard to believe that Frannie wouldn't find it really odd that this boy that's seducing her has red eyes, smells of brimstone, and has freakishly hot skin. However, though Frannie mentions it, it is definitely not a big deal. It's as if red eyes are a normal everyday occurrence. Plus, although the book is focused on Frannie, Luc, and Gabe, the friendships Frannie has would definitely play a bigger role in her life than they appear to in the book. The girlfriends are strong at the beginning, but then are almost forgotten. All in all, though, Personal Demons is a first-rate book for teens thriving for excitement and danger.

Review written by Margo Nauert (6th grade teacher).

We would like to thank JKSCommunications for providing a copy of Personal Demons for this review.

Have you read Personal Demons? How would you rate it?

Book Review: The Dragon in the Library by Kate Klimo

The Dragon in the Library
by Kate Klimo
Dragon Keepers

Random House Books for Young Readers
ISBN-10: 0-375-85591-2
ISBN-13: 978-0-375-85591-7
Publication Date: May, 2010
List Price: $15.99

Review: Trouble, Magic, Illusions! The Dragon in the Library by Kate Klimo is the 3rd book in the Dragon Keeper’s series. The Dragon Keeper, Jesse is the cousin of Daisy. Daisy is also a dragon keeper. Jesse is living at Daisy’s house for the summer and together they have been having exciting time. Emmy, the dragon, is starting to get a little grumpy. This book is mainly for children 12 and younger who like fantasy that takes place in the real world.

Jesse and Daisy have another problem in their hand. Their dragon is growing fast and is grumpy because she is missing “something.” That really is starting to annoy the cousins. They are trying various things she likes to cool her down. The dragon keepers have to find that “something” to cool that behavior. But that’s not the only problem the dragon keepers have to face. When they go to talk to Professor Anderson, a dragon specialist, they find out that he has been kidnapped by someone. They think it was possibly the women they were talking to on the computer. After doing some research they find out it is the girlfriend of their archenemy- St.George the Dragon Slayer. When they are doing research they learn that all the books in the hidden library are not books. Now the dragon keepers have to rescue the professor and find that “something” for Emmy to calm her down.

The Dragon in the Library is good for readers who like fantasy or mythical creatures like dragons, witches/magic users, self elves, and other creatures or fantasy characters. It is for young readers, but will be enjoyed by middle school students or high-level readers, too. The author keeps the line of thought straight. It’s not like the characters start changing their mood every chapter. I personally think that it was a fine book. The characters use some jokes and the characters are kind of funny. It was hard to understand though Emmy was missing. I thought all the things Jesse and Daisy thought in the book in what Emmy was missing. At first I thought she was missing wings or a jewel but at the end I found out that it was none of those things. At the beginning the author describes the characters so that if someone has not read the 1st or 2nd book they could find out all about the characters. Also based on the first chapter people could know what happened in all the stories, so it is not critical to read the first and second books first. But if you get a chance read the earlier books, I would still recommend it. In the end, this is a VERY GOOD book.

Review written by Vraj (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of The Dragon in the Library for this review.

Have you read The Dragon in the Library? How would you rate it?

Book Review: Annexed by Sharon Dogar

Annexed
by Sharon Dogar
Non-series

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN-10: 0-547-50195-1
ISBN-13: 978-0-547-50195-6
Publication Date: October, 2010
List Price: $17.00

Review: One of the most inspiring and moving tales of the horrors of the Holocaust is revisited in the story of Peter, the boy who loved Anne Frank in the novel Annexed by Sharon Dogar. Sixteen year old Peter van Pels tells his story about life in the annex and death in the camps. His story is based on Anne Frank’s original words but is embellished to show what he might have believed and felt.

Peter van Pels didn’t ask to live in the annex. He didn’t ask to be stuck with the annoying and often times obnoxious Anne Frank and her family, but because of his faith he had no choice. During a time when followers of the Jewish faith were taken from their homes and forced into German custody often times to be abused or murdered, the van Pels and Franks found refuge in an annex. To most, their life of confinement was infinitely better than the alternative, but for sixteen-year-old Peter, it was a nightmare. Peter is left in the annex heartbroken and dejected, questioning is faith and his very being. He watched his love be taken away and is haunted by dreams of her. But, whether it’s because they are two people with a need for someone to love or because it is destiny, Peter and Anne fall in love against all odds. But, the horrors invade before their love can truly blossom, and they are stripped of their clothes, their identity, and each other. Annexed is a story that leaves readers speechless. It is horrific, captivating, and suspenseful, but most of all it’s a story that must be told – over and over again for each new generation.

“How can I tell of this?” I ask her in despair.

“Put it into words,” she whispers, “and begin.”

“Are there words for this?”

“What else have we?”

And so I begin.

Part of the story is told through Peter’s voice as he’s living through the annex, and part of the story is told from his view as he’s living his last days in the camps. The author uses differing fonts to help the reader. In the above quote, Peter is “talking” to Anne in his mind. He knows the end is near, but Anne’s voice, “I have so much to say, so many stories inside of me, Peter!” is forever resounding in his head. He knows he must tell his story, and Annexed is his story. He speaks to the reader, “Do you understand?” and the reader feels compelled to respond. Annexed enraptures the reader to the point where it becomes possible to truly believe Peter is right there telling the reader the story – compelling the reader to listen and to believe. The parallel stories are woven together beautifully. Peter’s life in the annex is filled with emotion, confusion and love while his life in the camps turns him into someone even he cannot recognize. Having read a majority of the Holocaust novels for young adult, I can confidently say that Annexed deserves high recognition in the genre and should be recommended reading for all young adults.

Review written by Margo Nauert (6th grade teacher).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Annexed for this review.

Have you read Annexed? How would you rate it?

Book Review: Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen

Flipped
by Wendelin Van Draanen
Non-series

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
ISBN-10: 0-375-86347-8
ISBN-13: 978-0-375-86347-9
Publication Date: August, 2010
List Price: $8.99

Review: You never forget your first love, and Bryce Loski won’t forget Juli Baker…and Juli will certinatley never forget Bryce in Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen. It all started when they were is 2nd grade and Bryce moved into town. Juli fell head over heels in love with Bryce...and Bryce tried to avoid the social discomfort and the awkwardness that came along with Juli. But everything got ‘flipped’ in 8th grade when Bryce saw more to Julianna…and Juli is thinking he’s not all that he seemed to be. This is a novel that tells two points of views on how Bryce and Julis’ relationship was a rollercoaster-bumpy and rough, smooth and slow, quiet and both were on at different times. And how one person loved it…while the other was frighten and scared.

When Bryce Loski moves down the street from Juli Baker, both of their lives changed forever. Juli thinks Bryce is the most amazing person on the face of the earth, while he thinks the complete opposite of her. Through the years Bryce keeps his distance from this adventurous, intelligent young girl, while he is all she can think about. They had their ups and downs until 8th grade, when everything gets flipped upside down. All of a sudden Bryce starts liking and having feelings for Juliana…but by this time she is thinking he is an untactful jerk...Just a spitting image of his father. Juli doesn’t just casually stop loving Bryce...Between the sycamore tree, her eggs, her uncle David and her front yard she has every reason in the world to stop liking him. But once Bryce sees another side of Juli-past her front yard...her hair sniffing...and her stalking…He learns to value her from the inside-out. How does there relationship hold up after all of this?

What I enjoy about Bryce is he is always trying to be nice to Juli. He always tries to make the situation better, to avoid hurting her. I like that in guys so I think it is a cute characteristic for him. But what I don’t like about him is that he lies to Juli a lot. What I like about Juli Baker is her persistence for trying to get Bryce to fall for her. From 2nd grade to 8th grade…she tries her hardest to be noticed, but she isn’t being noticed in a good way, or at least the way she wants to get noticed. I think the book flows nicely and has easy dialogue so it is easy for readers of all ages. Flipped sends out a good message to both boys and girls. Girls hopefully will get from this story that boys sometimes aren’t worth the suffering, learn to accept their problems and don’t change yourself for them. Don’t follow them around like Juli does [that may creep them out] and don’t let them say bad things about you. I hope boy readers get the message that they shouldn’t be afraid to tell girls the truth because in the long run, it all turns out better. Don’t stretch out the lies; tell the truth to EVERYONE and you’ll feel like a better person. This was a difficult book to put down and I believe I could read it over and over again multiple times.

Review written by Samantha (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Flipped for this review.

Have you read Flipped? How would you rate it?