"Warriors, The New Prophecy - Dawn" by Erin Hunter

Few selected cats from each clan return from their journey to meet the midnight. When they come back, they realize that a lot of cats were captured by the Two-legs. They soon realize that the Two-legs are destroying their habitat. When all four clans agree to move to a new forest, Firestar’s clan, Thunderclan’s deputy, Graystripe is captured by the Two-legs. Will the clans make it to their new home? What will happen to Graystripe?

The strengths of this story are that Erin Hunter describes the cats as if he was one of them. And his descriptions of cats fearing the humans are unspeakably good. Any fantasy maniacs would be really into this book.

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows " by J.K Rowling

In this last adventure of the infamous Harry Potter and his two best friends Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger, Harry is on a mission to hunt down and destroy all remaining horcruxes. The only way the dark lord Voldemort can be destroyed is if all the horcruxes are destroyed. Meanwhile, Voldemort and the Death Eaters have completely taken over the ministry, and are hunting down all “mud bloods” to be sent to Azkaban, to the dementors. To make matters worse, Harry Potter is listed as Undesirable Number One and there is a big galleon reward to whoever finds him and turns him in. Harry, Ron and Hermione encounter numerous obstacles, and the uncertainty of Dumbledore’s true intentions.

Although my summary wasn’t very long, the book certainly is. The reason it isn’t very long is that there are so many adventures trying to get that big goal that I couldn’t possibly go into detail to describe all of them. This book is for people like fantasy, mystery, adventure, suspense, and humor (courtesy of Ron). There is also a tad bit of romance in this book. The strengths that I found in this book are that the main points from previous Harry Potter books are mentioned in this book. A lot of things are also brought into light again. I like the way that J.K Rowling ties everything together at the end and makes it all work out. I also really enjoyed reading the epilogue. I think one of her strong points is that she tied everything up, and left no stone unturned. I really enjoyed this book and thought it was the best way for an author to end a series that has been highly successful. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole series, but I think this last book was the best out of all of them.

Anna Meh

"The Giver" by Lois Lowry

People in the Jonas community are completely ruled by the government. Children in community conduct the Ceremony of Twelve when they become twelve. They are also assigned a career. Jonas is satisfied his life in the community until…. he becomes twelve. He is assigned the job of Receiver of Memory, simply called The Giver. He becomes the only one who can break the rule and feel pleasure and PAIN.

I think the author set up the chapter well because it hooked me to read more at the end of every chapter. Also it was interesting that author used the word ‘release’ instead of ‘killed’ in the story.

"Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer

This book is about a girl who falls in love with a vampire. She meets him in a class. She sits next to him, but he always seems to try and avoid her. Bella eventually finds out the truth about Edward, the vampire. As it turns out, he avoids her because her blood smells good, and he can't really control himself. He just wants to protect her from him accidentally killing her. Bella faces many deadly situations throughout the story.

I think the strengths of this book were that it wasn’t predictable and it kept you reading. The weakness I would say was that it kind of took a little while to get started because even though it was obvious that Edward was avoiding Bella, it took a while to tell why he was avoiding her.

I think the type of reader that would enjoy this book are people who like romance and fantasy because this book is about a girl who falls in love with a vampire

I think the book was really good. It definitely kept me reading. I think the book was good because it wasn’t really predictable because when Edward was avoiding Bella who knew the reason was because he was a vampire and didn’t want to kill her. I didn’t expect that.

Halle

"Summer of Fear" by Lois Duncan

Rachael, orRae, is an ordinary teenager with an ordinary life. She’s going steady with a smart, nice, boy who happens to be her neighbor, and she has an awesome best friend. Things are going pretty good for Rae until her mother receives awful news from the police office saying that her only sister and her sister’s husband died in a dreadful car accident, leaving her sister’s daughter, Julia, homeless. v Her mother decides that Julia is coming to stay with Rae’s family for a while. From her mother and her aunt’s written description of her daughter, she was a positive angel. She was smart and sang beautifully, and she made her parent’s house come to life.
Soon after Julia arrives, however, Rae’s life became a total disaster. Her cousin decides to take over her home. She steals Rae’s boyfriend, best friend, and bedroom. Was this the “angel” her aunt described in her past letters? Rae was about to lose hope when she finds figures of wax dolls, matches, and elements of witchcraft in Julia's bureau. No one will believe her when she explains and they all accuse her for being jealous of her beautiful cousin. Only her dog understands her because the minute Trickle met Julia he dashed in and started barking and bit her ankle, and Trickle with his good- nature never did that to anyone or anything before. Later on, Trickle dies in a strange and disturbing way

that leads Rae to find a way to reveal the truth about her cousin.

I loved this book, along with all the other books by Lois Duncan. This suspense novel really set me thinking. I had no idea that the book would end the way it ended. For those readers who love suspense or thrillers, I highly recommend you to go grab one of the Lois Duncan books and find out for yourself what I’m trying to tell you.

Nancy

"On Writing" by Stephen King

The book On Writing by Stephen King is a realistic fiction book. It gives advice and hints on the best way to write stories, and tells about Stephen King's life. The book is part autobiography and part manual. It is divided into many parts. The first part is filled with stories about him when he was young and inexperienced. Some of the stories are hilarious, some are painfully honest, and others are just painful. It helps tell the readers how he became what he was and experiences that helped shape his writing. The second part is filled with advice about how to write well., and what key things to focus on and practice. The last part tells us a story about how Stephan King almost died.

In my opinion, On Writing was not as good a book to read as other books Stephan King has written. If you decide to read it, you have to have a lot of patience and really want to learn about writing or about Stephan King. I would advise mainly adults to read this book because most teenagers do not like reading autobiographies. If you do, you're welcome to read On Writing. On the other hand this is a hard subject to write about and Stephan King did a good job teaching us the main key points to writing.

"The Wind Singer" by William Nicholson

This fantasy is set in a city called Aramanth. The main characters are the twins Kestrel and Bowman, and Mumpo, a boy who doesn’t have any parents, and doesn’t have any friends either.
Aramanth has a system of rating all the families in it by the scores they get on their yearly exams. Every citizen has to take part on the exams. One day, Kestrel becomes fed up with it all and starts shouting rude things about the emperor. She escapes punishment and along with Bowman and Mumpo begins a journey to get the wind singer, a magical object that will make the people of Aramanth happy again from the Morah.

What’s good about this story is that it moves along quickly and has some amusing parts. It’s interesting from the start because the reader immediately sympathizes with Bowman, Kestrel and their family. The story is full of surprises and sudden twists in the plot, so the reader doesn’t get bored.

I would have hoped that there would be more sides to some of the characters, or to some of the different tribes such as the Chakas and the Barakas. They seemed ridiculous in the story because they were shown only from the perspectives of Bowman and Kestrel. I think that a reader who likes fantasy would enjoy this story most. A reader that doesn’t like to read long books wouldn’t enjoy reading the book that much because it is quite long. The book moves from event to event quickly though, so you won’t get bored.

Maria

"Locked in Time" by Lois Duncan

The main character goes to meet her step-mother during her summer holidays. Her step-mother lives in old gigantic house in Baton Rouge. When she arrives, she finds something odd about the place. Time seems to be trapped there, and her step-mother looks so still everyday. she gets into more and more danger every day. Will she be able to save herself?

This is a book you won't be able to put down once you pick it up. There are mysteries behind mysteries that makes you hold your breath. This book draws on your imagination. It tells you about something you have never imagined before or thought possible. The author describes it so vividly that it seems real. AFter reading this book, you get this feeling that maybe this can be possible.

"The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson is your every-day kid with no dad, and a working mom. Goes to school, has minimal friends (except his Grover), and stays invisible. Until summer vacation rolls around…then it happens. Percy gains special abilities that he never had before and it all had to do with his MIA father. But when his mother is mysteriously “killed” by an angry ogre, Percy, along with his friend Grover, must go to the only place his mother fond safe for him. Camp Half-Blood. Have no idea what that is? Read the book.
The War between Titans is drawing closer, and to top it off, Zeus’s Master Bolt has been stolen. For a reason, everyone blames Percy. But with his pal Grover and his new friend Annabeth, they must venture out to find the real culprit before the war breaks out, or Zeus strikes all of them down.
This is a thrilling fantasy story that throughout the series will keep you hooked. With gods, and demons, centaurs, and Demigods, it’s hard not to have some part you’re not interested in. Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a truly Fascinating book for boys and girls of all ages.

Whenever a critic is called upon, they have to say something ghastly. But when I have to find pin points in a story, it’s usually pretty easy. But not this story. It may have a few side-stories that have little to do with the main adventure, yet, the whole story is fascinating. I find that nothing at all is disappointing about this story, for it’s truly an amazing adventure, full of surprises and mysteries. The major strengths were the general layout, like how the characters dealt with situations, the characters themselves, and the whole adventure. You would never guess who the villain was.
If I were to recommend this book to different people, I would have to say both genders, from ages 9- 16. Since the main characters are kids, you can only relate to them when you’re around that age group. Personally, I like reading books about young adults and teens, so this fits the description. I recommend it to everybody if they want to read it. But anyone who has the sort of imagination that they enjoy a lot of fantasy thrown at them into real life should love this series.

Sarah

"Cryptid Hunters" by Roland Smith

Marty and Grace are twins, but more like the yin and the yang. They have two different personalities. Grace is more on the studious, smart, straight A’s, nerdy side, while Marty is more on the athletic, creative, artistic, and fun side. Their parents are missing, suspected dead from an airplane accident, so the twins were sent to live with their uncle who is a cryptozoologist! They are on a trip to Congo when the twins literally fall off the plane. How can they survive? Through the adventure, there are even more stories inside this story to keep you interested, especially when it results in their discovery of hidden identities and secrets about their parents and themselves.

This story is really well written, especially for those who like sci-fi and mystery. Eventhough it’s over 300 pages, you’ll zip through it because of the intensity. I really enjoyed it. It was full of suspense, intensity, and mystery that would thrill you and throw you off your chair, or sofa! There are a lot of little details that will make you technology gadgeteers want to be in the book. Some of you might sympathize with Marty, while some might be on Grace’s side. This book’s Awesome!

Jetro

"Princess Academy" by Shannon Hale

Miri, a fourteen- year- old mountain girl lived with her father, sister, and the other villagers on Mount Eskel which was an isolated territory in the Danland Kingdom. The villagers made a living on the stone they quarry themselves from the mountains and trading them with the traders from the lowlands who then sold it down in the city. The work was difficult and their living modest, but Miri had always wanted to work in the quarry. However her Pa refused to let his younger daughter work in the quarry, which Miri who was named after a small blue mountain flower, thinks it’s because she’s smaller than most girls her age.
One day, the traders arrived with royal news from the prince, whom is searching for a bride in Mount Eskel. In the mean time, all the adequate girls must attend an academy to learn the skills needed to be a princess. The academy was run by a demanding tutor named Olana, who set a strict schedule for the girls. After a while Miri realizes that she is an outcast and with her wits and guts she is considered to be strong competition for some of the older girls. She was about to give up but the only thing that keeps Miri going is the desire to learn the mysterious language of quarry- speech which she experienced in the academy and eager to be the Academy Princess. Just when things are turning good for Miri, the prince makes a startling decision and the academy girls are put in an extremely dangerous situation.

When I read this book, I felt fresh and happy because of the way the author explained about Miri’s innocent, kind, and funny nature. I felt that I was one of the village girls watching Miri as she slowly built up her courage to express her true self with her family, friends, and the prince. I like how when the author wrote the book it was as if she was one of the villagers too, not just any old author describing her imagination. I particularly like the part when Peder was flirting with Miri in their cute, innocent village- country people way. Although the main character is a girl and is mostly about girls and their feelings, I still think that this book is suitable for girls and boys all ages, it is a well- written story of one girl’s determination to prove that even a small mountain flower can be as courageous and as strong as a lowlander..

Nancy

"Archangel" by Anthony Horowitz

This is the story of Alex and the mysterious adventure that begins when he sees two criminals shoot a man in the hospital.

The strengths of this book are the author describes the setting and the movements of the important parts very well--like when Alex has to save the world, or when he is in trouble. Every book by Antony Horowitz makes the readers feel the suspense of what will happen next to Alex or to the world. This book also has many difficult words that I had to look up. This book is my second favorite book It is very exciting for me. I want to read the next book about Alex Rider because it might tell me who shot Alex.

Siriben

"The 13th Warning" by R.L. Stine

Joe has got luck in his game. Lots and lots of luck. Hence the reason for his nickname “Lucky”. Lucky’s lucky number is 13, and he usually wins all lotteries and other games of chance. Lindy is Lucky’s elder sister. She agrees with whatever he says, and they are very close as brother and sister. This story is set somewhere in the USA. The whole story takes place on Lucky’s birthday, and all the events that occurred during this time.

The strengths of the story are that it has a very good hook. It will drag you in and will not let you stop turning the pages until the last word is read. The story is also very fast-paced and exciting. The weakness of the story is that the vocabulary is rather basic, and it may become boring after reading the same basic words over and over again. The extraordinary thing about this book which makes it special is that at the very end of the book (and almost every chapter), there is a twist, or a cliff-hanger. It just leaves you hanging wondering what is going to happen next. The kind of reader that would enjoy this story would be a reader who loves sneaky twists, creepy tales and wild adventures. The reader who would enjoy this story would have to like the horror genre. It is a very exciting story.

Anish

"Pardon my French" by Cathy Hapka

The main character, Nicole, goes to Paris for a semester because her parents want her to become more cultured before she goes to college. When Nicole first gets to Paris, she starts off on the wrong foot. As soon as she gets out of the cab from the airport, she throws up. Luckily though makes new friends on her first day at school. During her stay, Nicole misses her boyfriend. He decides to visit her in Paris during his holiday, but, in the meantime, a boy in Paris named Luc catchesNicole's eye. Will she stay with her American boyfriend or dump him for Luc?

I thought this was a really good book. The author wrote very descriptively. Some things happen that catch you off guard. I could really relate to the main character, Nicole, because when I first moved to Thailand, I didn’t really like it. Now I’m enjoying it more.

Carrie

"The Wish List" by Eoin Colfer

Meg's life has been bad ever since her mother was killed when hit by a car. One day, after owing a troublemaker, Belch, a favor, her life gets turned upside down, almost literally. Meg and Belch end up as arch enemies.

I think the author hooked the reader, like me, into the book quite well by starting with an exciting event. Also, the author creates an interesting image of heaven and hell in the story which intrigues the reader. The only weakness may have been that at the end, the story ended quite abruptly. I would recommend this story to anyone who likes stories with a twist in the plot.

Malik

"Cirque du Freak" by Darren Shan

It's a story about a boy who loves spiders and gets a chance to go a freak show. He sees many unique performers such as the violent wolf man. The boy becomes fascinated by a great spider named Madam Octa in the show, and he decides to steal her from Mr. Crepsley, her owner. He plays with her everyday until one day when she bites his friend. To save his friend, he must make a bargain with the great spider that changes his life forever.

This book never made me feel bored eventhough I don't like to read and don't usually like horror stories. It was not too hard to read, and it was full of excitement. Some parts were a little grotesque, but it didn’t make me feel bad. I read this book because Darren Shan's books are very famous in Japan and have received many prizes. I would recommend this book.

Mina

"Dealing with Dragons" by Patricia C. Wrede

This is the first book of The Enchanted Forest Chronicles. The main character is a princess who finds being a princess very boring. She is the seventh daughter in a very proper royal family. Her name is Princess Cimorene. Princess Cimorene decides to run away and meets a dragon called Kazul. She has never met anyone (or anything) like Kazul, who is very strong. When she runs away she also meets a witch, a jinni, a death-dealing talking bird and a stone prince. Princess Cimorene runs away from boredom to find some excitement. She finds plenty.



I thought that the story Dealing With Dragons was a superb story. At the beginning, it seems like any other fantasy story, but in the end I realized that the plot was wonderfully woven. I would advise any reader who likes childrens' stories to read Dealing With Dragons. Its language is very simple and straightforward. It doesn’t get boring, even if you read it a third or fourth time. Thestory, however, is very fast paced, sometimes too fast paced.

Ina