The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis

Four British schoolchildren, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy find an old wardrobe that leads to narnia,a world of talking animals, fauns, and nature spirits, created by aslan, the great lion.  The white witch has made it winter for a thousand years, but aslan is returning and spring is coming back.

5 Stars
Xinyu

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien

J. R. R. Tolkien imagines a place that hasn’t been thought by anyone else—a beautiful, mystical world—and just makes it absolutely visible for the readers. However, The Hobbit is not just a story printed on paper. This novel is a rare 4D book, making you moving from place to place, by just staying with the rhythm of what you’re picturing.

In a hole in the ground, there lived Bilbo—he’s a hobbit. He loves his warm and comfortable home and his neighbors. There hasn’t been any knocks at the door, but one day, he was sure he heard one. He saw that it was an old man, with a long cloak and a long hat, who tuned out to be a wizard. With the wizard’s insights, he tracked the right, helpful hobbit to travel with in an important adventure with important tasks. However, Bilbo didn’t want any adventure, so he shooed the wizard back.

The next day, there were thirteen dwarves coming in with the wizard, as if they were the hobbit’s greatest old friends. Regardless of Bilbo’s dislike of too much company, he, the man, and the dwarves formed a crew, and started a mysterious journey. After, Bilbo finds amazing secrets that has been forgotten.

Tolkien tells that Bilbo is very kind and generous to the dwarves and the man, traveling and working very hard with them, although he felt a little unsafe with them. Tolkien really tries to persuade you to be generous to others, which I think that generosity is giving others help and to behave how they will be pleased.

This book scores a terrific advance on every reader and is a huge influence for kindness with fresh secret drops of warmth and beauty.

4 Stars
James

The Sword in the Stone by Terence Hanbury White

People say that fantasy books are all about dragons and dancing unicorns set in a magical, sparkling pixie-world; but, T. H. White brings you to a totally different fantasy world—into a place in England about ten centuries ago when knights hunt creatures, and kings and queens live in charming castles. The author leads you to everywhere in this whole imaginary world, showing his great skill in showing and understanding the characters’ emotions and painting a full picture in your mind.

Wart is a curious young boy who is easy-going with almost anyone. Wart needs to be trained as a squire and seek true adventure. One day on a hunting trip, Wart meets Merlyn, a magician. Merlyn changes Wart into different creatures like ants and badgers and sends him to difficult adventures that teach him lessons every time. Wart really enjoys being Merlyn’s pupil, taking the most unique adventures that no one else have ever done. Later, Wart meets many more people who help him on his journey. Wart finds out who he really is, and his life changes forever.

White thinks that having faith in yourself is very important, because he states that you can accomplish anything that might be difficult for you and also others, by trusting yourself. T. H. White has a big effect on every reader through Sword in the Stone, a pleasing treasure for all ages.

4 Stars
James

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

You cannot mess with this book. The book follows the coming of age story of Holden Caulfield, who doesn't really know who he is, or what he's meant to do, so he goes on all sorts of weird adventures, despising most adults and society in general.

The highlight of this book, for me, was the character of Holden Caulfield. Angsty, arrogant, snobbish, snarky, witty, disturbed, and almost completely lovable. You love to hate him, he is the awkward protagonist who you fear for and cheer for. True classic.

5 Stars
Jessie

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

This book was so gripping, poignant, and great in general. It really gives you great insight on the thought process of the suicidal. Following Clay with every tape was like following a murder mystery. You learn to despise certain people, and learn that every action you take can be interpreted very differently in the perspective of someone.

5 Stars
Jessie

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mocking bird followed a story of growing up in the racist South during the years of the Great Depression. Scout Finch is a wily and headstrong six year old, who lives with her older brother Jem and her wise lawyer father, Atticus. Scout spends time playing with her cousin, Dill, who comes over during the summer. They are absolutely terrified of their next door neighbor, "Boo" Radley. However, bigger things are going on. Their father has taken on a case defending Tom Robinson, a black man who is accused of raping a white woman. Things don't look up for Jem and Scout at school, where they are accused of being black lovers. A really great coming of age story, and a great story of justice.

I really loved it. I can see why this book is a classic.

5 Stars
Jessie

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

The book The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian was a gem. It followed Junior, a Native American teenager living on a reservation. Due to birth defects, Junior was always teased at the "rez". The other kids beat him up, and called him "retard" and "globe" (due to his unreasonably large head). The rez isn't all it's cracked up to be. Poverty is everywhere, and sometimes it's hard to get a meal on the table. However, things somehow come together most of the time. But when Junior decides to go to an all white high school in nearby Rearden, things don't look up for Junior. People tease him at school, and things aren't great on the rez either. His own best friend calls him a white lover. Junior feels as if he will never fit in anywhere.

I adored this book. It was laugh out loud hilarious while at the same time being crushing and heart-breaking. Despite his dire situations, Junior always managed to lighten the mood with his witty and snarky comments, and clever drawings. Great novel to get a little insight on Native American teenagers now. Really funny and smart.

5 Stars

Jessie

The Spell Book of Listen Taylor by Jaclyn Moriarty

This book was insanely intricate and sometimes a bit confusing with all of the characters who seemingly had nothing to do with each other at the beginning who all end up having to do with the Zing family secret, in ways that are hard to expect.
I didn't really enjoy this book as much I wish I had, because some parts were a little too confusing and out there. It really made you have to go back a reread some sections to get it. Some people who aren't easily confused and like whimsical mysteries should pick this book up.

2 Stars
Jessie

It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

15 year old Craig has studied so hard to get into Brooklyn's prestigious Executive Pre-Professional High School. Once he gets in, however, stress takes over his life. He delves into a deep depression. One day, after stopping taking his meds, he attempts suicide, but then calls a suicide hotline and admits himself into a mental hospital. There he meets many people, some completely off the hook, some sweet, and some delusional.
This book was really sweet and hilarious. You felt bad and worried for Craig, but his voice was so smart and at points sarcastic, and the people he met and described were amusing. I think a lot of people would enjoy this book.

5 Stars
Jessie

Feeling Sorry for Celia by Jaclyn Moriarty

Australian teenage Elizabeth Clarry has a pretty complicated life. Her best friend, Celia, has disappeared again and her absent father has reappeared, which is strange due to the absence of her mother in the last days. All over this, her pen pal whom she was forced to write to in English class probably knows more about her than anyone, ever.
I think I review this book last summer, and I still like it a lot. (Not as much as last time, but I actually knew what all the plot twists were. Books are always the best the first time around.) I liked how everything was in letters, so there was a lot of showing not telling in the writing. Really funny and smart.

5 Stars
Jessie

Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King

Vera Dietz and Charlie Kahn have been best friends since they could walk. They love the same music, know what each other is thinking. Both share the feeling that they have to escape the history of their parents. However, things have pulled them apart, and now Charlie is dead. Only Vera can clear his name, but she can't seem to talk about the day.
This book was really very good. I loved the characters of Vera and Charlie and how well they seemed to match. From the plot it seems like it would be an overly dramatic, paranormal thriller. But it wasn't at all. It did unfold like a murder mystery, every chapter revealed a little more about Vera and Charlie and why he died, but the voices of the characters were biting, witty, and sweet.  Really enjoyed it.

5 Stars
Jessie

The Last Apprentice: Attack of the Fiend by Joseph Delaney

I thought that the book I read was very well written. It uses a lot of fantasy and magic and the author put in a lot of tension so that I never wanted to put the book down. I recommend this book to any young teens who like to read about magic, fantasy, suspense, and a little action. I enjoyed it thoroughly and rated it excellent!

5 Stars
Kieran

Looking For Alaska by John Green

Miles Halter memorizes people's last words. Miles's first year at Culver Creek Preparatory School in Alabama begins with meeting his roommate, nicknamed the Colonel. The Colonel introduces him to Alaska Young, a wild and gorgeous girl who captures Miles's heart. So begins nights of pranking and pining for Alaska. But all good things must come to an end, and tragedy strikes.
To make up for my lackluster summary, you should probably read the book to find out what happens yourself. This book was funny, entertaining, and heartbreakingly sad at differing points. Part comedy, part tragedy, part mystery, the book will make end you up looking for Alaska too.

5 Stars
Jessie

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green

This continues my massive reading spree of John Green's works.

In Will Grayson, Will Grayson, there are two Will Graysons, one of which is gay and one of which is straight. The first Will Grayson's best friend, Tiny. Tiny is openly and flamboyantly gay, and is planning a musical based on his own life. The second will grayson (who's name is never capitalized in the book) pines for Isaac, the guy he fell for online. They planned a visit, and Isaac doesn't show. will grayson is devastated. By chance, the two meet, and both become friends.
I didn't really enjoy this book. The lack of capitalization in the will grayson chapters was kind of annoying, and the plot was kind of dull. The characters, excluding Tiny, were kind of flat. In all, I was a bit bored. It wasn't bad, but not good either.

2 Stars
Jessie

Paper Towns by John Green

Quentin Jacobsen has been in love with his effervescent neighbor Margo since as long as he can remember. When she disappears suddenly, he has no choice but to go on a wild goose chase after her. In short, that is what the plot of this book is.  But this book is a lot more than the plot. John Green writes with his usual wit and the road trip the characters go on is hilarious. However, I didn't really feel the characters in this one were as real. I don't know why I felt this, but they seemed a bit flat at times and forgettable. I thought Margo was defiantly complex, but her relationship with Quentin was rather awkward and I ended up feeling sorry for both of them.  Many people will disagree, but this wasn't my favorite John Green book.

3 Stars
Jessie

The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart

The first book in the Ruby Oliver series, The Boyfriend List follows Ruby Oliver's past relationships- with her best friends, family, and boys. We find out about her past from a list she makes of 15 guys in a therapy session (which she goes to after her parents find out about her panic attacks). Each boy uncovers new stories and realizations about who she really is.
This book wasn't bad, it was a relatively easy read with all the ups and downs of high school girl drama. You really felt bad for this girl sometimes, it was fun. Recommended for those who enjoy chick lit or who just want a mostly witty novel.

3 Stars
Jessie

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

This first thing that struck me about this book was the cover. As much as people say to not judge a book by it's cover, I think people still unconsciously do. The book follows the story of an autistic kid, Christopher John Francis Boone. He lives with his father, who has told him that his mother is dead. One day his neighbor's dog, Wellington is found stabbed with a pitchfork in the front yard. Christopher is disturbed but intrigued. He starts writing a book following his search for the murderer. After series of shocking events, Christopher sets out on his own in England to find his mother, who is not actually dead.
I really enjoyed this read. It was suspenseful, surprising, and sad at times. It really gives a great perspective on the thought process that goes on when you have autism. Christopher was great. He was paranoid, kind of a genius, and a little snobbish (maybe it was just me) at times. This book's writing really gave you the impression that you know Christopher, knew what disturbed him, what made him sad, and what he was really made of.

5 Stars
Jessie

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

This book was probably my favorite John Green book. As in most of his books, it featured a nerdy and awkward boy (in this case Colin) who falls for a beautiful but smart girl. I loved this book because of it's witty math humor, sweet plot, and the great writing in general. Really recommend this one to people who like nerdy humor romances.

4 Stars
Jessie

A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly

Mattie Gokey is a 16 year old girl living in the outskirts of the Adirondacks in the early 1900s. She aspires to be a writer, but help is always needed at home, and the pressures of society urge her to get married. She works as a waiter in a big inn by Big Moose Lake, when tragedy strikes. Grace Brown is pulled from the lake, pregnant, and drowned by her former lover. They night before, Grace hands Mattie a bundle of letters with the instructions to burn them. After her death, Mattie's curiosity overcomes her and she opens the letters.
I really loved this book. Mattie was strong as a lead character. I like how the book was part Mattie's journey to success, and part mystery with the death of Grace Brown. It was also cool to know that Grace's death actually happened.

5 Stars
Jessie

Born to Fly by Michael J. Ferrari

It's 1941 and Bird McGill is enthralled by planes. She wants to be a fighter pilot, but cannot. On December 7, 1941, Bird and her dad take a quick spin in a neighbor's plane before Bird's birthday party, which no-one attends. 2 months later she, and her family are standing on a train station platform, saying goodbye to their dad as he goes off to war. As he steppes onto the train, he hands Bird something she's always wanted: A P-40 Warhawk plane manual.
Soon, she's taking to the skies with Lt. Peppel, setting up dates for her sister (with Lt. Peppel), trying to catch a sub, and a murderer, terrorist, and a spy. She meets Kenji, a Jap, as he's called and his uncle. Uncle Tomo is charged with the murder of a local man and blowing up a plane factory. He denies this adamently. Bird is waiting for her father to return in a few days to tell the truth about the real man who did it, when Lt. Peppel shows up at her house, with that envelope. That one no-one ever wants to see. Bird is caught on the witness stand, stuck. she can't trust the people in her town. One flicks a lighter, another pass a threat note and smiles. In Geneseo, RI, something is afoot.

5 Stars
Ima

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by David Leviathan and Rachel Cohn

Written from each character's point of view, Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist is a great, cool, funny read about two New York kids who meet under the oddest conditions and go out for one night of strange unadulterated craziness. This was a relatively short and enjoyable read. It was fun, but not really my favorite. I think I had high standards from all the hype that it had, and it didn't really live up to them.

3 Stars
Jessie

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Lena lives in a world where love is seen as forbidden and dirty. Citizens are given a cure at the age of 18, a cure for the disease known as amor deliria nervosa. This disease not only applies to relationships between couples but between family, pets, everything. You can never get too close in her world. The Cure is supposed to create stability, uniformity, happiness, perfection. Lena dreams of this cure, along with her best friend Hana. But the summer before her scheduled cure, the unthinkable happens. She falls in love.
This book was well written, and with a moving and sometimes suspenseful plot. Lena's world was fascinating and made you think. I'd read Before I Fall, which was also by Lauren Oliver, and I think they were both great. This is a great book for those who like a bit of romance and books set in a dystopian era.

4 Stars
Jessie

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

The Kite Runner follows the moving story of Amir, privileged boy growing up in Afghanistan. Amir's Afghanistan is the Afghanistan of a wealthy young boy living in Kabul in the 1970's. Big white houses and being the only famliy to drive an American car down the street. Amir's best childhood playmate is Hassan, a Hazara boy who is actually his servant. Hassan is incoherently loyal to Amir, which annoys Amir to no end. Amir constantly vys for his father's attention, which he tries to gain by competing in the local kite running competitions. However, the Afghanistan Amir knows and loves is changing. Hazaras, an already discriminated against race, are being increasingly violated. After a series of scarring events, Amir and his father finally escape to the United States, where his story is not yet over.

This book was fantastic. It really gave me a view into Afghanistan, not the outsiders view of just poverty, war and the Taliban. There were many graphic scenes, so I do not recommend this book for younger readers, or even for some my own age.

5 Stars

Jessie

Corneila and the Audacious Escapdes of the Somerset Sisters by Lesley M. M. Blume

Corneila Street Englhart is a lonely person, growning up in NYC.  Her mother is a famous pianist, known all over the world. Any play-date that Cornelia has is always about the parent getting to know her mother. 15 minutes is a record time for Cornelia.  One day a new neighbor moves into the other apartment in Cornelia's house. Ms. Somerset has been all over the world and each room in her house is done up like one of the places she has been. There are rooms for India, Morocco, England, and many others. And Ms. Somerset tells stories. Stories about her going around the world with her sisters. How she found her butler, Patal, and dog, Duex. Soon Cornelia is able to make friends with the stories the Ms Somerset has told her.

5 Stars
Ima