South Fayette Library's teen book reviews

The Da Vinci Code

2007-03-26T16:22:00.000-07:00

In The Da Vinci Code, Professor Robert Langdon and cryptologist Sophie Nevue are challenged with the test of uncovering the person responsible for the death of the Louvre Museum curator. Everything becomes more complicated when Robert and Sophie discover that Jacques Saunier, the late curator, was very much involved in a secret organization called The Priory of Sion. The two companions travel all over Europe discovering ancient secrets using Robert's knowledge of ancient symbology and Sophie's memories of her grandfather. At the end of the chase, Sophie and Robert discover secrets they had never imagined possible.

I really enjoyed reading this book because it is one book that really held my attention. Dan Brown's interesting writing style and techniques really added to the plot, and i found myself reading for hours without stopping. The exciting plot kept me guessing what would happen next and it never ceased to surprise me with new circumstances and occurrences. I feel that this book is one that anyone who enjoys suspense and an interesting plot should consider reading.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

2007-03-12T15:23:00.000-07:00

"Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson serves two major requirements; it presents us with a shocking view of the most aberrational areas of our minds and how sometimes they are in conflict woth logic and societal norms and makes a chilling read of it. Therefore it is safe to say that it is a must read for anyone interested in psychological thrillers. The story, narrated by an omniscent third person point of view, focuses on certain incidents that occur in the life of Mr. Utterson, which lead him to revelations about his closest company. It involves the strange behaviour of Dr. Jekyll, a close friend of Mr. Utterson, Mr. Hyde, a widely abhorred figure of society that is charged with murder, a house with no windows, a strange laboratory, and some sort of legal connection between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Why is it that Dr. Jekyll's health continues to decline? Why is it that Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde cannot be met together? What is the secret that haunts Jekyll leads him to a life of obscurity? These are just a few of the questions to be answered in this absolutely breathtaking mystery story.

2007-02-28T15:38:00.000-08:00

"Haveli" by Suzanne Fisher Staples, tells the story of Shabanu, whose husband, Rahim, is the descendant of a rich family. Set in Northern India, the story focuses on both the cruelty endured by Shabanu at the hands of Rahim's three other wives and her struggle to relive the free life she used to know as a child living in the Cholistan Desert. When she finds that Rahim will let her and her daughter reside in 'Haveli', an old home of the family far removed from the hassles of her present life, she feels almost as though all her worries have been wisked away, however, with life in the city comes the city's people, and she soon finds herself falling in love with another man.
"Haveli" is a unique story that neither compromises detail for action nor action for detail and takes care to let the reader explore even the miniscule pleasures and hassles of Indian rural life while providing an engrossing tale that will be enjoyed by anyone who has interest in other cultures.

Fish

2007-02-07T15:35:00.000-08:00

'Fish' by L.S Matthews tells the story of Tiger, a child whose parents have devoted their lives to the liberation of the poor in a war-ravaged country. As Tiger, Tiger's parents, a donkey, a guide and a fish, whom Tiger rescues from a drying puddle, embark on a journey to travel to safety, we have a story about struggle and survival.
The book is written from Tiger's point of view and uses simple language that younger readers can understand as well. As the group travels along a harsh path, several lessons are learned by readers about the difficulties in a poverty stricken country and the importance of life.

The Kite Rider

2007-02-07T15:28:00.000-08:00

The "Kite Rider" by Geraldine McCaughrean is a beautiful book that encompasses probably all aspects and emotions of life; luxury, happiness, downfall, despair, hope, revival and spirituality. Set in 13th Century China, when the Mongols invaded and overthrew the Sung empire, it tells the story of a 12 year old boy and the hardships he faces after the death of his father and his conquest to restore wealth to his family by joining a circus as a kite rider; soaring high above on a kite to bring back messages from the dead.
What makes this book a wonderful read is that not only is it a story of redemption but has elements of ancient Chinese beliefs such as the world of spirits in the sky. The entire tale is a journey for each character as well as the reader, in which they and us both change, and to some degree, undergo enlightenment.

The Mediator-Reunion

2007-01-18T14:14:00.000-08:00

One day at the beach, Suze sees the RLS Angels that died from going off a cliff. The RLS Angels are out for revenge. Michael planned their death because his little sister got in a coma at their party. Suze has to keep them from killing Michael and keep Michael from killing all the guests who were at their party.

I liked this book a lot. It is very interesting because the suspense keeps building up through out the entire story. You keep wondering what will happen next.

Princess in Training

2007-01-18T14:09:00.000-08:00

Lilly, Mia's best friend nominates her for student body president. Mia thinks that is extremely bad until she gets a B on her english paper, doesn't understand sophomore geometry and her boyfriend is moving uptown for college. Worst of all, Lana whispers something to Mia in the lunch line that makes Mia really nervous. Mia has to find a way to get through all of this before she goes crazy.

This is one of my favorite books. It teaches you that you can do anything and things are not really as bad as you think. Once you start reading this series, you will not be able to put it down.

The Mediator-Ninth Key

2007-01-18T13:44:00.000-08:00

Susannah is a mediator, or someone who speaks to the dead. She helps the unhappy ghosts who are here to get to the place where they are supposed to go.

This book was one of the best books I've ever read. Meg Cabot is an amazing author and makes her books interesting. Because they are about a teenagers, you can pretend you were the protagonist. Once you start reading this book you will not be able to put it down.

"The Bronze Bow" by Elizabeth George Speare

2006-12-11T16:45:00.000-08:00

This exciting historical fiction novel takes place around 20 A.D. The main character, an 18-year-old blacksmith boy named Daniel, believes that Israel's main dilemma, Roman tyranny, can be solved by organizing an army to drive out all Roman authority. However, nothing know to this Zealot can solve his biggest problems with his own family. It develops greater understanding for any bible reader, featuring several appearances from Jesus Christ. Suggested levels 7th grade and up.

"Alias" by Mary Elizabeth Ryan

2006-12-11T16:42:00.000-08:00

Alias is about a sixteen year old boy and his mother. They lived in L.A. but always moved around a lot. Annie, the mother, changes her name and look with each move. Why?

The reasons I like this book are because it keeps you guessing. Where will they move next? What alias and look will Annie chose next? What new clues will Toby, the son, find that will help him solve the mystery? I also enjoyed how the author took a minor character and a main character and related them through their parent's history.

Pirates! By Celia Rees

2006-12-11T16:38:00.000-08:00

Rees writes a wonderful adventure about two women escaping to freedom. Nancy, an heiress, joins the pirates to escape an arranged marriage while Minerva joins to escape slavery. Together they work, fight, and carve out a life for themselves on the high seas.

I really enjoyed the novel. Pirates! depicted a believable picture of what life might be like for two women pirates. Nancy and Minerva learn about freedom, survival, friendship, love, courage, and so much more. A satisfying story!

"The Scarecrow and His Servant" by Philip Pullman

2006-12-11T16:36:00.000-08:00

Interesting, silly and serious. Mr. Pullman writes about the adventures of a scarecrow and his servant on their way to Spring Valley. They battle brigands, join the army, fall in love, and shipwreck onto an island. Although the scarecrow is brave and valliant, will he be able to face the Buffalonis family? A family he wishes he had never sprung into life.

The Giver by Lois Lowry

2006-12-11T16:30:00.000-08:00

The Giver is a book about a young boy who lives in a very strict environment; there are no such things as trees, hills, rain, snow, sunshine, flowers, or even colors. These people do not even know that they exist. At each age (until the age of twelve), one is given a ceremony. At the age of 8 you must give up your comfort object, at the age of nine you get a bike. But at the age of twelve you get something that each boy and girl dreams of: a job. When Jonas (the boy) turns twelve he expects to get something boring like engineer or nurturer but he gets something much more interesting.

The Client by John Grisham

2006-12-11T16:25:00.000-08:00

This book is about a young boy, Mark Sway, and his brother who sees a man, Jerome Clifford, committing suicide. Jerome told Mark a secret about one of his clients committing a murder and where he had hid the body of a Louisiana Senator. Mark then becomes obligated to testify in court about what he knows. Although Mark is afraid Jereome's client's mafia freinds will kill him if he does so.

I like this book because it's very suspenseful and kept me wanting to keep reading on. Also how the author vividly describes how things appear and how the author chose to use a child and not an adult as a main character. As a reader, you get a better understanding of a child's position when going through the legal system.

"How Not to Spend Your Senior Year" by Cameron Dokey

2006-12-11T16:19:00.000-08:00

This book is about a girl named Jo who has moved around a lot throughout her lifetime. Now she is in her senior year and her dad makes them move to one more school. Finally, Jo is making new friends and possibly a new boyfriend, until her dad tells her that they must move again. Her dad explains that the reason they have moved so many times is because a murderer is constantly looking for them. Jo and her dad must then fake their own deaths to make the murderer think that they are dead.

I liked this book because I wanted to know how pretending to be dead changed Jo's life. It was interesting to see how everything worked out for Jo and her dad. I also liked that the book was one big mystery, which made me want to read more and more.

"I Know What You Did Last Summer" by Lois Duncan

2006-12-11T16:14:00.000-08:00

This is a book about a group of four teens who made a pact to never tell anyone what they did last summer. Soon they are led to believe that someone knows what happened. Julie receives a strange letter in the mail, Helen gets an odd picture on her door, Ray is sent a newspaper clipping, and Barry is shot in the middle of the University's athletic field! Who is sending the kids the threatening messages and what did these kids do last summer?

I enjoyed this book because it was very suspenseful. To figure out just exactly what happened you have to wait to almost the end of the book! I Know What You Did Last Summer is a definite page turner.

"Into the Land of Unicorns" by Bruce Coville

2006-12-11T16:09:00.000-08:00

A wonderful fantasy full of adventure, friendship, and courage. Cara jumps into the world of Luster when her grandmother gives her an amulet and tells her to deliver a message, "Find the old one. Tell her... 'The Wanderer is weary.'" This would be easier if there wasn't a mysterious man tracking Cara not to mention the delvers. How will Cara find the old one and deliver her grandmother's message before the tracker or delvers catch her?

"Drivers Ed" by Caroline B. Cooney

2006-12-11T16:03:00.000-08:00

This book is a very interesting book about teens gone wild. One crazy night a couple of friends go sign stealing in their neighborhood. However, their fun and games lead to a fatal traffic accident. A young woman gets killed due to the "M.I.A." stop sign. The accident crowds the young teen minds with fright and fear until they crack. This book is a thrill ride full of excitement and mystery.

The reason I liked the book is because I like to be put on the edge of my seat while reading an exciting story. When I read this kind of book it gives me the excitement I enjoy. I would recommend this book to any young adult or any adult who enjoys the same kind of excitement.

"A Heart Divided" by Cherie Bennett & Jeff Gottesfeld

2006-12-11T15:54:00.000-08:00

The book, "A Heart Divided", is about a young playwright, Kate, living in New York whose family decides to move to a town near Nashville. The town, Redford, still waves the confederate flag proudly and their school football team is called the Rebels. Soon, Kate meets Jackson Redford III, the descendant of the town's father. When there is a petition to replace the school's confederate flag, Kate and Jack must decide what side of the petition they are going to be on; being called a racist and going against the flag or staying loyal to the town and the flag.

I liked this book because it was an interesting situation that Kate and Jack got themselves into. I also liked how the book had to deal with history.

"Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson

2006-12-11T15:41:00.000-08:00

Melinda Sordino wasn't always an outcast. But, starting 9th grade at Merryweather High is an entirely different story. Melinda's old friends no longer want to associate with her and the new kids she meets are no different. They think they have their reasons; after all, Melinda did call the cops and break up an end of summer party. But, what they don't know is why Melinda called the cops.

With no friends to confide in and a strained relationship with her parents, Melinda has no one to talk to and is forced to deal with her problems inside her own head, quietly trying to forget what happened. But, the silence doesn't help. Finally, something happens that makes Melinda SPEAK!

The Outsiders

2006-12-01T13:34:00.000-08:00

This book, "The Outsiders" is about a Rivalry of gangs throughout the city. The Greasers and The Soc. Near the end of the book the gangs fight to claim their territory. Through all the battle and hardship, the Greasers come out on top and claim their territory they call their own.

The reason I liked this book was because it is very intense and interesting. I would recommend this book to anyone. This book is thrilling and offers a great learning experiance.

South Fayette Library's Teen Book Reviews

2006-11-25T13:35:00.001-08:00

Drivers Ed by Caroline B. Cooney

This book is a very interesting book about teens gone wild. One crazy night a couple of friends go sign stealing in their neighborhood. However, their fun and games lead to a fatal traffic accident. A young woman gets killed due to the "M.I.A." stop sign. The accident crowds the young teens' mind with fright and fear until they crack. This book is a thrill ride full of excitement and mystery.

The reason I liked the book is because I like to be put on the edge of my seat while reading an exciting story. When I read this book it gave me the excitement I enjoy. I would recommend this book to any young adult or any adult who enjoys the same kind of exciement this book offers.
FS 11/22/06