Treasure Map of Boy by E. Lockhart

This was the third book in the Ruby Oliver books, and in it Ruby Oliver starts the second half of her junior year, still a social "leper" and still with a series of complicated relationships. Ruby stills pines for Noel, who is still unattainable due to her friend Nora. Her sophomore past still bothers her in the halls. Ruby loses her job. Soon everything reaches a boiling point and in an impulse decision Ruby soon finds her self with no friends at all. Will someone step up to help her?

It was fun to read to 2 previous books and then read this. In it Ruby is finally thinking less impulsively and you can't help but to cheer her on and be like a proud parent when she makes a good decision. Full of drama, as usual.

4 Stars
Jessie

The Boy Book by E. Lockhart

The Boy Book is the second book in the Ruby Oliver series, in which Ruby Oliver goes on another adventure at Tate in her junior year. Following the catastrophe of sophomore year, Ruby is left practically friendless except for her neighbor and hopeless romantic, and a confusing boy Noel. And soon her ex Jackson steps back into the picture with strange notes left in her mail. Ruby is completely overwhelmed, and even her shrink can't help her figure herself out.

I thought this book was funny, chatty, and drama filled...what good chick lit should be. Ruby had her flaws at points, but you grew to love her snappy humor and dire predicaments.

4 Stars
Jessie

Lady Windermere's Fan by Oscar Wilde

Lady Windermere's Fan is a play about London's high society and the scandal that follows with it. Lord and Lady Windermere have been happily married for awhile, and they have a child. But Lord Windemere has been reported to be seen with a mysterious Mrs. Erlynne, who he has been sending large amounts of money. Lord Windermere refuses to tell the Lady why, other than it is for her benefit. Outraged, Lady Windermere leaves for another man, but is stopped by Mrs. Erlynne. In the end, Mrs. Erlynne performs a great sacrifice and her true persona is revealed.

Oscar Wilde is one of my favorite writers for his humor and crafting style. This play was very good, in that there was great foreshadowing and a suspenseful reveal at the end. Some of the characters were pretty pathetic (although I guess most in London's high society were). Fun read.

4 Stars
Jessie

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

The Perks of Being a Wallflower followed Charlie, an awkward 15 year old going into his first year in high school. At the beginning of the year, he is friendless and shy, but soon becomes friends with two seniors, Sam and Patrick, who take him under their wing. Charlie starts writing letters to an unknown person about his year, books and music.

This book was great. Charlie was such a genuinely awkward kind of guy, but you really grew to care for him. You worried about his family, his friends, everyone. The book was a collection of all the letters that Charlie sent to the unknown person that he thought he could trust. The writing was great, it was truly Charlie. Recommended for maybe older readers, touches on subjects like drugs, etc.

5 Stars
Jessie

Fear Itself by Andrew Clements

This second book in the Benjamin Pratt & the Keepers of the School series, Ben and Jill must solve clues to keep the school from being torn down. Deciphering the hidden meaning is a difficult task, and involves a lot of thinking between the two kids. Lyman, the secret agent disguised as a janitor, is also tracking them, and trying to keep them from stopping the building project. I thought it was a good book, except the ending was a little abrupt.

4 Stars

Sarah

Mary, Bloody Mary by Carolyn Meyer

Mary is the heir to the throne of England, and she enjoys all the luxuries of her royal status. But when her father decides to divorce her mother and marry someone new instead, Mary is indignant. If this new wife has a son, then he will be declared the heir instead of her. This is a historical novel which is rich in historical detail, and it really makes you sympathize with the girl who was later nicknamed 'Bloody Mary'. But it didn't seem to grab my attention as much as other historical novels I've read.

3 Stars
Sarah

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

This book told the story of Esperanza Cordero through her voice in a series of vignettes and poems. Each story crafts a new side of her, her goals, dreams, family, life. Growing up a Latina girl in Chicago isn't easy.

I adored this book. Each story was written so beautifully, and each story was a gem in itself. They stories were heartbreaking, joyous, and told her angst so well. Must read for those who love vignettes and for those who haven't experienced them.

5 Stars

Jessie

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

The first book of JK Rowling's series follows Harry on his first adventure as a wizard. Formerly living with the drab and horrid Dursleys, Harry discovers that he is a wizard, and starts his first year at Hogwarts. He encounters Quidditch, which he finds he has a natural talent for, new friends, trolls, and a new enemy, the one they call "You-Know-Who". What is Hogwarts hiding on the third floor?I adore this book. It makes me feel pretty nostalgic, because it remind me of the first time I picked up a Harry Potter book and was hooked. It's cool to see how JK Rowling's writing has evolved since the very beginning, and its fun to see how Harry was at the very beginning. Love this book for the series' signature humor, adventure, mystery, and characters.

5 Stars
Jessie

The High King by Lloyd Alexander

Arawn Death-Lord has stolen Dyrnwyn, the most powerful sword in all of Prydain. Now he and his deathless Cauldron-Born warriors seek to destroy and take over all the lands around them. Meanwhile, Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper, Prince Gwydion, Princess Eilonwy, Fflewdur Fflam, and many other people join together to over come this evil and recover Gyrnwyn. This book is really, truly, fantasy. I thought it was well written, although since the names are not English names, it's a little bit hard to keep track of all the characters.

4 Stars

Sarah

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

Milo is depressed. He doesn't take any joy in his life, and doesn't understand why he needs to learn things. When he gets home, he notices a big box in his room. He unpacks it, and finds a real, genuine, tollbooth. With his electric car, he drives through and finds himself in a world totally unlike anything he's ever seen before. Along with characters like the Humbug and a dog named Tock, he travels through mysterious lands such as the Forest of Sight, the doldrums, and other places as well. But underlying everything, there is a mysterious danger. Milo sets out on a quest to defeat the evil and bring peace back to the Lands Beyond, while learning important lessons about life. A great book for kids who like fantasy. I really enjoyed it, although it was a fairly fast read.

5 Stars

Sarah

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

When Samuel Westing is mysteriously murdered, his will is read to discover the heir to his large estate. But instead of just one, an apartment-building full of people are chosen as heirs - but only if they can solve the riddle. Each pair is given clues, and if they can find out who murdered Sam Westing, they will be the heirs. A fascinating book that was a little complicated at first but grew to be very interesting as the clues were slowly deciphered. And the answer to the whole affair was a lot different than first expected. . .

4 Stars

Sarah

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Little Women is an excellent book! It had a lot of romance and affection. Out of the four sisters, I liked Meg the most. I really like this book!

5 Stars

Anna

White Fang by Jack London

I really enjoyed White Fang. I like White Fang's personality, his loyalty to his original owner. I really wanted to get to the end of the book to see where White Fang would live.

5 Stars
Anna

The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling

The Tales of Beedle the Bard are a small set of fairy tales written in compliance with the Harry Potter series. There are 5 in the book, each with illustrations.

Each story was witty and humorous, and the illustrations were great. However, it was rather short and at points unsatisfying. Really wish there were more stories.

3 Stars

Jessie