In the book, 13 Little Blue Envelopes, the story revolves around Ginny, a very cautious girl who absolutely loved her aunt. After finding out her aunt died months ago, she now discovers a pack of envelopes made by her aunt, for her to follow. Ginny learns about her aunt’s sickness and the effect of the sickness which lead to her death! This is a very funny and adventurous book that I found very enjoyable because of the fun of reading it. Like I said, I liked this book very much, especially the funny parts and the very unusual characters the author, Maureen Johnson, put in the book; that gave the book a new feeling of energy. Also I thought the little bit of romance put in the book was absolutely adorable, how Ginny missed her so called “boyfriend,” even though she wasn’t very sure about her own feelings, or about those of the boy, Keith. I found this part so cute and most girls will find it very enjoyable. Because of the unusual characters and the fact that there is some romance, most girls will enjoy it way more and understand the feelings of Ginny so much more than the guys, so I think the girls should definitely check this book out instead. (af-Ms. Bauman) F JOH (Spring 08)
The novel, Angel’s Grace, by Tracey Baptise is the story of a thirteen-year-old girl named Grace. She lives in Brooklyn with her sister Sally and her parents. Grace has physical and personality characteristics that are not similar to the other family members. Physically, she has puffy red hair, and a unique birthmark. In terms of personality, she is artistic and loves to doodle. As a result, Grace feels like an outsider. During the story, Grace visits her Grandmother in Trinidad. When Grace looks through some old photo albums, she finds an unfamiliar man with the same birthmark that she has. A mystery unfolds. Grace becomes determined to figure out who this man is while hiding the search from her family. I think this book is mediocre. While I enjoy escalating suspense, the plot seems to drag on endlessly. On the other hand, the book has a significant theme about valuing family and love. I would recommend this book to thirteen-year-old girls who are looking for a light, easy read. F BAP (lk-Bauman) (Fall 08)
The Boxer and the Spy by Robert B. Parker is about a fifteen year old boxer named Terry Novak who is suspicious when they announced that a shy high school student’s body washed up on the shore of New England beach town. The news reported that Jason Green, the dead high school student, committed suicide which was linked to the use of steroids. Terry refused to think that that is the truth so with the help of some of Terry’s friends; they uncovered the real mystery of what happened to their classmate. After Terry, Abby, and the crew do some investigating, they realized that the information they had compiled put them in danger. From curiosity to murder to affairs, this book has it all. Due to the lack of details and descriptions, I did not really enjoy reading this book. It got better toward the end of the book. This book is not for people who are looking for a challenging read. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries and has an interest in boxing. F PAR Mystery (vt-Bauman)
(Fall 08)
The book Buttermilk by Ruth White shows how family relationships affects our daily lives. The main character, Piper Berry, is ten years old, living in Buttermilk Hill, a North Carolina trailer park. Piper learns that her parents aren’t really happy with their lives. Piper’s mom wants to quit being a housewife. She never finished college, and never got to become what she dreamed, a music teacher. So, she returned to college and got her education degree. But Denver, Piper’s father, refused to support her. They decided to get a divorce. Piper is really upset about it so she hangs out with her friends and writes poetry. She realizes life is hard. I thought this book was excellent because you are learning a life lesson. I recommend this book to 11-14-year-old children. I think that this story is a sad story, but ideal to read aloud to your family. (js-Ms. Bauman) F WHI (Spring 08)
The book Carpe Diem by Autumn Cornwell shows how you can’t always plan your entire life out. Vassar Spore is a sixteen year old overachiever who has already planned out which college she wants to attend, who she will marry, how many children she will have (and their genders), and much more! Everything seems to be going perfect until the day that Grandma Gerd blackmailed Vassar’s parents and forced her to go on a trip with her throughout Southeast Asia. Unwillingly putting her academic carrer on a hiatus, Vassar discovers adventure, love, new possiblities, and learns how to “live in the moment”. Vassar also finds out that there is a big family secret that has been kept from her for all these years that would change her life forever. After the journey, Vassar finally learns how to sieze the day and just let things fall into place without being planned. I personally loved this book and I think that anyone, girl or boy, would love this book also. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes adventures, a good laugh, and exciting twists. Autumn Cornwell’s vivid details and unique writing style make reading this book even more enjoyable. I guarentee you that once you start reading this book, you can never put it down!
The book, Chasing Vermeer, by Blue Balliett, was an extremely well written mystery. It was about two, eleven-year-old children, Petra Andalee and Calder Pillay, who try to solve the mystery of a stolen painting. They found clues and information by sneaking around and asking seemingly “innocent” questions. I enjoyed the suspenseful style of writing the author used, and how he wrote everything in a creative form. For instance, the author did not reveal answers in the plot; he would ask questions that the reader had to try to answer. At the end of the book the author answered the five W’s (who, what, when, where, and why). In addition, I appreciated how the author and illustrator collaborated to bury clues in the pictures. Further, I liked how two nerdy people, Petra and Calder, discovered each other and developed their own bond of friendship. The only thing I disliked was how easy it was to read. As a result, I would not recommend this book to eighth graders, unless they want a fun mystery to solve; I would probably suggest it to fifth graders. Finally, it is a book for creative people who like to think “outside-the-box”. F BAL Mystery (lk-Bauman) (Fall 08)
Dunk, written by David Lubar, is set in the summer at the Jersey Shore. A high-school teenager named Chad wants to earn money for college, so he decides it would be fun to become a “Bozo”. A Bozo is a type of clown at a game booth on the boardwalk, who yells at and insults people to try to get them to play his game. (If the Bozo is really obnoxious, he can get people so mad that they’ll pay money for the chance to try to dunk the clown in a tank.) The pay is very good. Malcolm, who is Chad’s neighbor, is a Bozo and teaches Chad to become one. However, Chad also has to deal with his athletic best friend Jason, who has a very bad illness and is in the hospital for months. Chad brings Malcolm with him as he visits Jason often in the hospital to cheer him up. There’s also Gwen, the girl Chad really loves, who works at the Cat-A-Pult booth on the boardwalk. But Anthony, who is a little older, also likes Gwen. There is where the conflict starts. I liked this book because it reminds me of the Jersey Shore and makes me think how much fun it would be to work at the boardwalk. I would recommend this book to people who like the boardwalk. Maybe there are some who would even like to become a Bozo one day. (gb-Bauman) F LUB (Spring 08)
The book Eager by Helen Fox takes a look into the future, complete with robots, environmental problems, and corrupt leaders. This book follows the adventures of the Bell family (Mr. Bell, Mrs. Bell, Fleur, Gavin, and Baby Charlotte), a middle-class family in the future. The story begins when the Bell family’s loyal and old robot begins breaking down. With no money to buy a new one, a scientist friend lends them an experimental robot, EGR3, or Eager. Compared to the new, eccentrically human-like BDC4s, which only technocrats (government officials and scientists) can afford, Eager is a simple kitchen gadget! However, when the BDC4s begin acting very strangely, the Bell children are glad to have Eager helping them solve the mystery and save the world! I really enjoyed this book because of all the futuristic descriptions and adventurous twists. Eager’s curiosity and eagerness cause several hilarious moments. I would recommend this book to science fiction fans or anyone who supports the underdog! (mr-Pizzuta) F FOX Sci Fic (Spring 08)
It seems that the novel Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree by Lauren Tarshis can best be described as charming. Whereas it was not the most meaningful and compelling book of its kind, it was nevertheless enjoyable. Emma-Jean Lazarus, an odd seventh grade girl, began her story in the girls’ restroom when she saw Colleen Pomerantz crying over the sink. The two girls contrasted each other heavily because Emma-Jean was unnaturally indifferent to the social workings of her fellow students while Colleen was in the center of it. This, however, did not stop Emma-Jean from getting involved in Colleen’s social issues. For the first time in her life, she used her unique and effective logical skills to solve numerous problems in the lives of those around her. Whereas I liked the occasional wittiness in the book, I felt that the quality was predictable and that little was intriguing or exceptional in the simple plot. For readers interested in the voices of blunt and distinctive characters like Emma-Jean Lazarus, I would recommend The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon over this book because it provides a better insight into the complex mind of a character with communication issues. Still, the story of Emma-Jean is a pleasant one and if offered the opportunity, it would provide you with an enjoyable read. F TAR (cl-Pizzuta) (Fall 08)
Emmy, the protagonist of the book Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat, by Lynne Jonell, is the definition of a “good girl”. Everything that her nanny, Miss Barmy, tells her to do, she does. Whether it’s eating her vegetables or going to her many, many extracurricular activities, Emmy does it all without question. Yet when she happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time (or right place at the right time, depending on how you look at it) and overhears some things she probably shouldn’t have, she begins to question her “nanny’s” motives. Once she befriends “The Rat” and the two start investigating the situation, they discover something they never dreamed of nor ever thought possible. A truly captivating story from start to finish, Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat is the perfect book for any die-hard fantasy lover, as well as a great read for those just delving into the genre. I absolutely recommend this book for anybody looking for a great weekend read, as this book will surely go above and beyond your expectations; and the adorable flip book on the edges of the pages and its equally as adorable art will definitely keep you entertained for a while! (sk-Bauman) F JON Fantasy (Spring 08)
The book called The Entertainer and the Dybbuk by Sid Fleischman was a fun book to read. This book is about a young Jewish boy named Avrom who is killed in World War II. Avrom comes back as a dybbuk to seek revenge on the man who killed him. What is a dybbuk? A dybbuk is a Jewish spirit that can possess anybody.
Avrom chooses to go into the body of The Great Freddy to find his murderer. Once Avrom finds his killer, he chooses not to kill him and instead comes up with another punishment. I liked this book because I have never read anything like it. It tells you a lot about what life was like for the Jews during World War II in a way that will not bore you. I would recommend this book to someone who likes a little bit of history and excitement. F FLE Hist. Fic. World History (yr-Pizzuta) (Fall 08)
The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn, by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler, is an exciting mystery full of plot twists, sword fights, and plenty of riddles. The story follows Seiki Konoike, a son of a tea merchant, on his journey to Edo, now known as Tokyo. On his journey, Seiki gets involved in a robbery at an inn he and his father stay at on their way to the city. There, he meets Judge Ooka, a cunning samurai who was called to solve the crime. The judge takes a liking to Seiki and enlists him to help him catch the thief. On their journey, they encounter many obstacles, such as red herrings (false clues) and a suspicious kabuki (Japanese theater) troupe. I thought this book was engaging because you actually feel the excitement of the story as it happens. I also enjoyed the vivid descriptions and challenging riddles. I would recommend this book to anybody who loves a good mystery and who wouldn’t mind learning some Japanese history and lingo. (rf-Bauman) F HOO Mystery (Spring 08)
s three cousins. Teddy, Alice, and of course Torrance, “Jinx” runs into a little trouble as te usins. Teddy, Alice, and of course Torrance, “Jinx” runs into a little trouble here, but Jinx has a secre
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Jess Jordan is just your average fifteen-year-old girl, who describes herself as “charming but insane”. (Oh, and she has a butt the size of a mountain range.) In this hysterical tale of a British teen’s witty personal struggles, Jess always seems to be stuck between a rock and a hard place. The book Girl, 15, Charming but Insane by Sue Limb is definitely a book for people who want to hear a relatable story about the chaotic yet hilarious life of a girl who suffers from the occasional rough day at school, just like everyone else. This book had me laughing all the way through, and I really felt like I could visualize being in Jess’s life. I loved it! While reading this book I felt as if I were reading the story of someone I had known my whole life. Jess’s perfect, beautiful, blonde, and busty best friend Flora is no comparison to any other girl in town. But will Flora’s godly body and stunning good looks keep Jess from the man of her (and pretty much every other girl’s) dreams? Or, in the end, will love be found for Jess in a more unusual place? Read Girl, 15, Charming but Insane by Sue Limb to find out how Jess finds herself and her strange but lovable granny, too! (lw-Bauman) F LIM (Spring 08)
The book How to Ruin a Summer Vacation by Simone Elkeles shows that you should always keep an open mind toward new things. At the beginning of the summer Amy could not stand of the idea of spending one minute with her biological father. Let alone going to Israel to meet his sick mother, and the rest of his family, for three whole months. However, she later realizes that if she just opens up her heart she may just be able to enjoy the summer. I thought that this book was really good because it taught you an important lesson; don’t knock till you try it! This book really pulls you in and makes you never want to put it down. Even though some parts you start disagreeing with the main character, Amy, you feel proud in the end when Amy pulls out stronger then ever. I think that anyone who is interested in reading about how one summer v
vacation can change a whole girl’s point of view on life would enjoy this book. F ELK (vp-pizzuta) (Fall 08)
The book, If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period, by Gennifer Choldenko, is about a girl named Kirsten McKenna, and a boy, named Walk Jones. Walk is the new kid in the school and in his grade; he is the only African American at his new, all white private school. He becomes friends with a boy named Matteo. Matteo is the good kid with straight A’s but for some strange reason, he does everything that the popular girl, Brianna, tells him to do. It is as if she owns him, but Matteo will not tell anyone why he does everything Brianna tells him to do. Kirsten’s life is not perfect either. Her parents rarely talk to each other any more and when they do talk, they are fighting. Kirsten tries her best to take care of her little sister but she also has to take care of herself. Her best friend, Rory, is caught up with the school’s popular crowd, therefore forgetting about Kirsten. Soon Kirsten finds a new group of friends, and a secret gets out that explains most of the problems that Kirsten has been trying to figure out. This secret does not only change her life, it also changes the lives of the people around her. I would recommend this book to a girl or a boy who has patience, and like to read books with little detail. This story has an interesting plot, but the story and the writing style, is good, but it lacks depth and detail. Personally, I enjoyed the book, but at some points, it was boring. F CHO (lr- Pizzuta) (Fall 08)
ole girl’s point of view on life would enjoy this book. F ELK (vp-pizzuta)
In Jinx, by Meg Cabot, there is a very unlucky girl named Jean, but everybody calls her “Jinx.” She is the unluckiest girl in the whole world, or at least she thinks so. The story takes place at her aunt’s house. She has three cousins. Teddy, Alice, and of course Torrance, “Jinx” runs into a little trouble here, but Jinx has a secret that she is keeping from everyone even herself. This is an enchanting book. I would recommend it to anybody who likes mysteries and believes in karma. F CAB (dp-Pizzuta) (Fall 08)
Teenagers are always curious. In The Kissing Diary by Judith Caseley, Rosie Goldglitt is a regular teen. Rosie is very self-conscious. She constantly thinks about what kissing must feel like and even watches others. Her crush, Robbie, seems to hate her, but she doesn't know why. In addition, Mary, a very popular girl and Rosie's enemy, seems to have caught his eye. Will Rosie end up with precious Robbie? Find out in The Kissing Diary. Personally, I did not enjoy this book at all. It seems to drag on with no rising or falling action. I would not recommend it to anyone. (dv-Pizzuta) F CAS (Spring 08)
The Lacemaker and the Princess, by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, follows the story of Isabelle, a girl from a family of poor lacemakers in the French town of Versailles. When Isabelle is spotted by Queen Marie Antoinette at the palace, she is taken to the young princess, Marie Thérèse, to be her friend. Isabelle is glad to be free for a while of her strict grandmother and poverty-stricken home. The palace is full of treasures and fine things like new dresses, horses, and exquisite food. The princess, like the rest of the royalty, is oblivious to all the needs of the French people, who are starving and poor. Whispers of rebellion and revolution are everywhere, even in the palace. Isabelle struggles to relate these rumors with the royal family she knows, and to decide which side she’s on. I thought this book was okay. I was not able to connect to the characters very much. Isabelle was swayed too easily, and the princess’s real emotions were hard to understand. However, historical fiction fans may find this quick, easy read interesting and fresh. (mr-Pizzuta) F BRA Hist. Fic. World History (Spring 08)
The book The Legend of Buddy Bush by Shelia P. Moses illustrates the struggles of racism and the strong bonds of friendship and family. It starts off simply, as twelve-year-old Pattie Mae Sheals performs her mundane morning chores on Rehobeth Road, a former slave plantation. She picks the cucumbers, eats her breakfast, and daydreams about one day going to Harlem to become a city girl, leaving her life in North Carolina behind her. But this all changes in the course of one night when Pattie Mae comes to see a movie with her beloved uncle, Buddy Bush, who still lives as a city boy with style and no thoughts about racism. As she witnesses her uncle get framed for a crime, her entire future becomes a tangle of racism and hate, as well as love, friendship, and hope for the future. This book portrays that through the darkness of the world, there is a lot of light. (hl-Bauman) F MOS Hist. Fic. 1900s (Spring 08)
Ever since kindergarten, Abby O’Malley has been aware of a hereditary power that she calls the Magic Nation thing, because her teacher had said that it was her imagination. Her mother says that it started with her great aunt Fianna, like a witch-like skill. Lately, Abby has used this power to help her mother’s private investigating agency, with an arson case and a kidnapping case. Her friend Paige soon finds out and is anxious to take advantage of her friend’s powers to solve mysteries. Paige didn’t find anything important until they went to the ski slopes, when the girls became distracted by two snowboarding “hunks” and lost Paige’s six-year-old brother Skyler. I would recommend this book to any ‘tween-ager looking for leisure reading. (jh-Pizzuta) F SNY (Spring 08)
The book The Magic Nation Thing by Zilpha Keatley Snyder shows how people may have amazing talents but should use them in moderation. Abbey O’Malley is a 12 year old girl who wishes she was normal and had a normal family. She lives with her mother in San Francisco. Her parents are divorced; her father lives in Los Angeles. Her mother is always telling her about their Great-aunt Fianna who could tell things about people such as their location by touching an item that person touched. When Abbey’s friend Paige gets a hold of this information, Abbey instantly regrets telling her. Paige’s idea of how to use Abbey’s supposed talents is to form their own detective agency. Abbey is opposed to this idea because her mother is a detective and Abbey doesn’t truly believe in the gift. Unfortunately for Abbey, life this her with a curve ball and she is forced to use her talents for an important situation. I personally thought that the story had an interesting plot, but had much unused potential. The story could have been made so much more interesting than it was. It also took too long for the story to get going. I recommend it to anyone with a vast imagination and interest in the supernatural who doesn’t need excitement in a book. (ra-Pizzuta) F SNY (Spring 08)
The book A Mango-Shaped Space by Wendy Mass is a heartwarming story (unless you don’t like cats!) of a teenage girl who, ever since a traumatizing math experience in third grade, has considered herself a freak. Mia sees colors and shapes with every sound she hears and every number or letter she reads, a condition known as synethesia. Up until the third grade, she assumed everybody else did the same, but she soon learned otherwise. For years, she keeps her secret hidden from everybody, but when bad grades and school frustration force her to seek help, she discovers something that makes her feel normal again. Yet she will have to sacrifice one of the most important things in her life in order to gain back control of it after she unknowingly isolates herself from her loved ones. This is a heartwarming story from cover to cover. A Mango-Shaped Space showed me that we’re never as alone in our struggles as we think; there’s always something (or someone) willing to help. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to anybody looking for a light, happy book to read. (sk-Bauman) F MAS (Spring 08)
The book Mississippi Jack by L.A. Meyer is thrilling. Filled with amazing journeys, this book is great for any young girl who loves some adventure. The book is about Jack Faber. Jack is a girl who always causes trouble. Because she had committed treason in Britain, Jack successfully escapes to America. Unknown to Jacky, her love, Jaimy, is only a couple days behind her, following her tracks. Jack encounters many interesting events in America. However, after a while Jacky gets tired and weary of the problems she faces daily on the American frontier. What Jacky wants is to be with her beloved back on the ocean. Will Jacky get her dream or will her instinctive and often reckless plans lead Jaimy further away? I thought that this book was great and unique because of the way the female heroine of the story is depicted. Unlike most books where the female heroine is often deemed weak and helpless, Mississippi Jack shows just how adventurous and, often crazy, girls can be. (jg-Bauman) F MEY Adventure (Spring 08)
The book Nightrise by Anthony Horowitz shows how people can have huge responsibilities unwillingly forced upon them. Scott and Jamie Tyler are two orphan boys performing for their “Uncle” Don in the Reno Playhouse. They have always had an ability to read other people’s minds and control them. Because of these talents, one of these twins finds himself locked up in a research project while the other is desperately searching for his brother. Although they don’t know it at first, both of these boys, mere teenagers, are part of the five; a group of five children with the power to stop the return of the Old Ones who would take over the world and destroy life as we know it. Jamie gets mixed up in many violent encounters including going to the most dangerous juvenile correction facility in the world and getting fatally shot. This would normally mean the end for Jamie, but the five never die. This is because there are three worlds in this story; one 10,000 years ago, the one in present day, and the dream that connects the two. When one of the five dies, the other also dies, and they temporarily change worlds. Jamie and Scott find themselves in a war between two worlds that will determine not only their fate, but the world’s. I enjoyed this book because the action starts right away and doesn’t stop until the last page. It also had a very engaging plot. I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in action and suspense stories. (ra-Pizzuta) F HOR Sci. Fic. (Spring 08)
Do you love adventure, suspense, surprise, and a story you can’t put down? If so, you should read this book! Nightrise is the third book in the Gatekeepers series. This book introduces many new characters and answers many questions that the previous two books, Raven’s Gate and Evil Star introduced. The book’s two main characters are Jamie and Scott Tyler, Native American twins from Nevada. They were abandoned as babies and soon were thrown from foster home to foster home. They both have supernatural powers: the ability to read minds and command people to do things. They are destined to be part of the five children who will save the world. Many people in the book are doing everything they can to try and stop them from joining the other three children. When Scott gets kidnapped, will Jamie be able to rescue him while being hunted down by the same people who kidnapped Scott? Or will he, too, get kidnapped and never be able to join the five? Find out in this exciting, interesting story. (en-Pizzuta) F HOR Sci. Fic (Spring 08)
The book Olive’s Ocean by Kevin Henkes shows that you should always try to make new friends. In the beginning, Martha Boyle goes on a summer visit to her grandmother’s cottage by the Atlantic Ocean. But during her visit she can’t seem to forget about the death of one of her classmates, Olive Barlow, and Martha thinks she should have been nicer to her. Martha gets confused when she develops feelings for an older boy and talks to her grandmother. She’s also thinking about becoming a writer and thinks she needs to tell her dad about it (he’s writing a novel). I liked this book because it was a book some people can relate to. What I liked about Olive’s Ocean was that it takes place near one of my (and Martha’s) favorite places, the ocean. I would recommend this book to students who like adventure and short books. (gg-Bauman) F HEN (Spring 08)
The book, Penny From Heaven written by Jennifer L. Holm, is amusing and fascinating. The book is about Barbara Ann Falucci, nicknamed Penny because of a Bing Crosby song, saying that she is going to waste the summer of 1953 doing nothing except listen to the Brooklyn Dodgers win baseball games with her Uncle Dominic and play with her cousin Frankie. However, when Penny is critically injured and hospitalized, something drastic happens to her family. Find out in the book, Penny From Heaven. I liked this book because it taught me how Italian families were treated during World War Two. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Newbery Award Honor book. F HOL Hist. Fic. 1900s (as-Pizzuta) (Fall 08)
The book Poison Ivy by Amy Goldman Kass is a great and enjoyable book. This books is about a girl named Ivy. She is picked on, made fun of, and harassed daily by The Evil Three (Ann, Sophie, and Benita). When a teacher, Ms. Gold, becomes aware of this harassment, she gives Ann two choices. She can go to “Big Bad Broccoli”, the principal, and get suspended. The second choice is to have a trial in class. Ann, Sophie, and Benita don’t want to get suspended so they agree to have the in-class trial. The whole class gets involved in this trial. This book is filled with drama and will keep you turning pages to find out what happens next. This is why I liked this book. I would recommend this book to girls who are interested in the judicial system and drama. (sb-Bauman) F KOS (Spring 08)
When the book Predator’s Gold by Philip Reeve begins, it is kind of difficult to follow. But as the story carries on you will get a good idea of what is what. This book is about a world about 1,000 years in the future. In this world, all of the continents are mostly ice and all of the surviving people are aboard moving cities. Some cities mind their own business and drift along, while other cities like to devour smaller cities for their resources. These cities are predators. The story is mainly about a young couple whose names are Hester and Tom. They land on a city and Tom starts to be attracted to another girl. When she finds out what Tom is up to, Hester does something that has consequences for the whole city. (vb-Bauman) F REE Fantasy (Spring 08)
The book The Puppet Wrangler by Vicki Grant shows that odd fantasies may come to life. The book starts out with Telly in seventh grade living in Beach Meadows. Telly has an extremely rebellious teen sister named Bess who is always getting in trouble with the law. Because of Bess’ behavioral issues, Telly is sent away to Toronto to live with her aunt Kathleen, a TV show producer. While on the set of Kathleen’s TV show, Telly meets a puppet named Bitsie who is actually alive. Every day after filming, Telly and Bitsie spend hours talking to each other. They become friends because Bitsie is alone because a puppet can’t talk to anyone and because Telly has nothing to do because her aunt is always busy. Telly and Bitsie go on exciting adventures together and learn that true friendship can come in many ways. I enjoyed this book because it had an interesting plot and is a page turner. It was also a good book because it is so wild and imaginary that you just can’t put it down. I recommend this book to anyone with a vivid imagination or anyone who likes puppets. (ra-Pizzuta) F GRA Fantasy (Spring 08)
In Regarding the Bathrooms by Kate Klise, Mr. N’s class has returned to Geyser Creek Middle School for summer school. During this time, all of the students must get jobs for the summer. The bathrooms in the school look dreadful. Once again, Florence Waters in hired to renovate them. Meanwhile, Sam’s and Goldie’s marriage is falling apart. In addition, Sally Mander and Dee Eel have escaped from jail. Where are they? Who helped them escape? To find out, read Regarding the Bathrooms. This book is fun to read for people of all ages! The author is very creative with her writing. You will love reading this book. (dv-Pizzuta) F KLI (Spring 08)
Regarding the Sink by Kate Klise shows how friends can really save you sometimes. In this sequel to Regarding the Fountain, Geyser Creek Middle School needs a new sink because the one they have now is clogged with beans. Once again, beloved Florence Waters is asked to do the job; however, she isn’t responding to her letters! Along the way, Senator Sue Ergass makes sure that everyone donates beans to the citizens of China to save the Sinkiang Blinking Spotted Suckerfish from being eaten to extinction. Where is Florence and who can people really trust? Read Regarding the Sink to find out! I loved to read this book because of the fun layout. It was a nice, quick read. I would recommend this book to people of all ages because I enjoyed reading it so much. (dv-Pizzuta) F KLI (Spring 08)
So B. It by Sarah Weeks is an interesting book that reveals the difficulties in life that one young girl must deal with. Heidi It lives with her mentally disabled mother and Bernadette, her neighbor. Heidi does not know anything about her past and her family history. Heidi’s mother, So B. It, constantly says the word soof, but does not reveal to anyone what it means. Bernadette believes that there are certain things in life that a person will never know, but Heidi believes otherwise. Heidi goes on an adventure to Liberty, New York because of a photograph that she finds. Will Heidi discover truth in Liberty or is her past something she will never know? I believe this is a very emotional and touching book with excitement and anguish. Heidi’s adventure reveals many things about her life and made me think about my own. I connected with Heidi and thought about things in my life that I may have taken for granted. I believe this is a very good book for anyone who likes to read realistic-fiction books about the difficulties some people must overcome. (iy-Pizzuta) F WEE (Spring 08)
The book Stop Pretending: what happened when my big sister went crazy by Sonya Sones shows that you can still find hope, even at the worst times. Cookie’s older sister had a mental breakdown, which caused her to end up in the psychiatric ward. A lost and confused kid, Cookie doesn’t feel like a normal kid anymore. No one at school knows her big secret, and Cookie always wondered what would happen if they did. Once some of them do find out, things change and Cookie must learn to deal with it. Along the way Cookie finds new love, but does she still have a chance at it? I thought this book was great because it showed how Cookie lived part of her life and a lot of people can relate to Cookie. Written in poetic form, this book is fast-paced because you always want to know what happens next. I recommend this book to anyone that has a loved one in the psychiatric ward, or anyone that wants to read a great fast-paced book. (ra-pizzuta) F SON (Fall 08)
Hunter Braque is a seventeen-year-old who resides in New York City. He takes part in a group in which the members discuss and view shoe advertisements. In addition, Hunter gets paid to spot the new trends going around and report them to the group. At meetings, a product will get “the Nod” if it is cool. More importantly, it is essential to point out the un-cool. Then, Hunter meets Jen James, a girl who wears her shoelaces in a unique and cool way. Being a “cool-hunter”, Hunter notices Jen’s originality, and decides to take her along to a group meeting. At the meeting, the members view a shoe ad and Jen notices something “un-cool” and informs Hunter’s boss, Mandy. The day after the meeting, Mandy tells Hunter that she was intrigued by Jen and that she wants the both of them to meet up with her in Chinatown the following day to discuss a “big deal”. When Jen and Hunter get there, all they find is Mandy’s abandoned phone. From that moment, Hunter and Jen find themselves on a chase through New York City to find the suddenly-disappeared Mandy and to solve a conspiracy aimed at the consumer world. This book is exhilarating, suspenseful, entertaining and adventurous. I would recommend this book to mature readers ages 13+ who reading adventure stories. You’ll surely give So Yesterday by Scott Westerfield “the Nod”. (ik-Bauman) F WES (Spring 08)
As I picked up my copy of Such a Pretty Face, edited by Ann Angel, I half-expected it to be like an overdramatic chick flick, but I was wrong. Such a Pretty Face is a collection of stories about beauty, outer and inner, by several different authors. They weigh the difference between physical and emotional splendor. For example, one story includes a blonde who dyes her hair blue because she feels that she is meant to be different and striking rather than pretty. Another is about a girl who moves to another country, intrigued and slightly envious of the other girls’ silky hair and honey-colored tans, only to find how much they long for her peachy-white skin. Though this book includes one or two stories which I found cliché and lackluster, the other moving selections certainly made it worth reading. In addition to portraying new, different speculations of beauty, it helps us acknowledge and appreciate the morals we are all exposed to but sometimes choose to deny. (hl-Bauman) F SUC Short Stories (Spring 08)
Beginning in the year 1944, this novel, Tamar by Mal Peet, told the story of two undercover operators who parachuted into Nazi-occupied Holland as supporters for the Dutch resistance movement. Following the journey of these two spies, readers get engaged in the espionage, love, betrayal, and passion that Tamar reveals. The story moves several decades ahead to England in 1995 where the reader now start learn about Tamar, the granddaughter of William Hyde, one of the spies. A couple months after the tragic death of Tamar’s grandfather, Tamar finally gets the courage to explore a box she had inherited. When opened, Tamar discovers a whole different life of her grandfather during the war, a life she had never been told about in the past. Determined to figure out the clues and coded messages in the box, Tamar and her friend Yoyo, or Johannes, set out on a mission. I really enjoyed how Mal Peet left the beginning of the story a cliffhanger and I had to read to uncover more. Throughout the book, the perspective changes from the narrator to Tamar. I personally loved this writing method. Full of vivid details and descriptions, Tamar was written with a unique style. I would recommend this novel to anyone interested in reading about World War II, mystery, and suspense. What will Tamar discover about her grandfather? F PEE Hist. Fic. World History (et-Pizzuta) (Fall 08)
The book called Teen, Inc. by Stefan Petrucha, is a fun and surprising book. The book is about a 14-year-old boy named Jaiden Beale who was raised by a corporation called NECorp. Long ago when NECorp was doing a project, they had an accident where they killed Jaiden’s parents. The accident was huge. It was on the news for quite some time. So the corporation decided to raise him since he didn’t have any 
parents. If he gets adopted though, people might only adopt him for his fame and money. NECorp doesn’t just give Jaiden a place to live and eat. They practically control his life. He has to attend special meetings where NECorp discusses what to do with his life. NECorp chooses whom Jaiden can date and where he is allowed to go. They have just allowed him to go to a public high school. Everything goes well until he finds out that his “home” is causing poisoning in the rivers and local water tables. Jaiden doesn’t know if what he has heard is just a rumor or not. If it’s true, what will Jaiden do? Will he be against the only family he has ever had or will he support NECorp? I liked this book because it surprises you when you find out what Jaiden does. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves reading. F PET (yr-Pizzuta) (Fall 08)
The book, The Traitor's Gate written by Avi, is entertaining and enjoyable. This book is about a fourteen year old boy named John Huffam. John is the only mature man in the Huffam family. John's father, Wesley Huffam, is in prison for owing three hundred pounds and is involved in a global incident for memorizing British naval secrets. The Huffam family asks John to help clear his father's name and find a way to pay off the debt, so that the Huffam family can live a normal life. In doing so, John finds out that a traitor devised a plan so that John's father would tell the secret. Will John discover the traitor and free his father? Find out in the book, The Traitor's Gate. I liked this book because it is late 1800's historical fiction. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in very mysterious and suspenseful stories. F AVI Mystery (as-Pizzuta) (Fall 08)
Twilight is a book written by Stephenie Meyer and set in a small town called Forks in Washington State. In a college-level high school biology class, Isabella and Edward are partners. Isabella feels there is something strange about Edward. He has pale skin with dark eyes that change color every day. He drives “Bella,” as he calls her, to school sometimes at 100 mph. Finally, she asks him if he is a vampire. He replies, “Yes.” “Bella, I couldn’t live with myself if I ever hurt you,” Edward tells her. Bella trusts him and he trusts her. She meets his family, all of whom are vampires. They are all kind to Bella—but not all vampires are. This is where the trouble begins. I liked this book because it is a type of fantasy. I recommend this book to mature readers who like to take themselves on an adventure with a vampire. (gb-Bauman) F MEY Fantasy (Spring 08)
The book Wait For Me is an unforgettable story about a girl named Mina. It is a story of growing up, living a life without lies, and finding yourself. Mina, an 18-year-old Korean girl living in California, is faced with multiple problems. Her mother has planned Mina’s whole life out: honor classes leading to Harvard. As far as her mother knows, Mina is on her way to Harvard. But Mina has a secret and many, many lies that she is hiding away from her mother. Mina also has the responsibility of protecting her little sister, Suna, from her mother’s wrath. Suna has a hearing problem and this gets her mother very angry. Mina’s life was already complicated enough before Ysrael came into the picture. Ysrael was the migrant worker Mina’s parents hired to help with their Laundromat. Soon, a relationship blossoms between the two of them and Mina is faced with a decision that will change her life forever. Mina longs to run away with Ysreal, but she knows she could never leave Suna. She also cannot disappoint her parents. With her duties and her desires at war, Mina has to decide what she will do with the rest of her life. This beautifully written book is a must-read! (en-Pizzuta) F NA (Spring 08)
In The Water Horse, Angus, Kirstie, and Grumble, their grandfather, have found an egg on the shore after a tempest and Kirstie secretly took it back home. She and her brother first fed the hatchling in the bathtub, but had to move the kelpie (water horse) when the adults knew. This is a heartwarming tale of a family and their encounter with a Scottish water beast. It is perfect for any elementary school child, but is perfect for leisure and is a fantasy book that you could read again and again. (jh-Pizzuta) F KIN Fantasy (Spring 08)