The Summer of the Swans by Betsy Byars Adventure Realistic Fiction * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) This is about a girl whose 14th summer is going so well she wants to run away from home. Her aunt and sister are driving her crazy, but when her brother goes missing, will she be able to put her differences aside?
Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen Funny Realistic Fiction Romance Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) I really liked this book because it was amusing to see the same things happen, but from a guy’s point of view and then a girl’s perspective, and how different we think. It’s a cute story that I enjoyed reading, and was a real quick read. Review #2 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) This book … Read more
Baby by Patricia MacLachlan Realistic Fiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) A mother leaves her child on a front porch with just a note – will the mother return? If she does, will her new family be able to let her go?
Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume Realistic Fiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) I liked this book because it was very funny and it is a good book to read for about 10-12 year old girls. It is actually giving you real facts. All teenage girls should read it!
The Year of Secret Assignments by Jaclyn Moriarty Adventure Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) In this book, two rival schools share a penpal program between the sophomore classes. The three girls – Lydia, Cassie, and Emily – manage to get in and out of trouble with the help of their penpals, Charlie and Sebastian. The group of fives seeks revenge on a boy who treats Cass unfairly and pulls it off. Definitely … Read more
Best Foot Forward sequel to Rules of the Road by Joan Bauer Realistic Fiction Review #1 * * * * Stars I liked this book because it was a continuation of Rules of the Road, by Joan Bauer. The books are about a teenager named Jenna who works at a shoestore called Gladstone’s. The company is in danger when the founder’s son tries to change the quality of their products. Don’t read this one before … Read more
Boy Meets Girl by Meg Cabot Realistic Fiction Romance Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) In this book, a young woman named Kate looks for something better in life when her 10-year boyfriend refuses to commit to her, her job is in jeopardy, and she cannot find a new place to live in New York. A humorous novel composed of letters, IMs, emails, and Kate’s random notes scribbled on receipts, menus, and … Read more
Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier Historical Fiction Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) This is a book based off of Johannes Vermeer’s famous painting, Girl with a Pearl Earring (seen on the cover of the book), and was also made into a movie with Scarlett Johansson. It is a good idea to see the movie first so you know what to expect. The novel traces the life of Griet and … Read more
Invisible by Pete Hautman Mystery Realistic Fiction Thriller Review #1 * * Stars (Just ok) This book is somewhat of a subtle Poe experience – very creepy but at the same time, not really. It’s about a teenager named Doug Hanson and his many obsessions – model trains, girls (one in particular), and fire. After a tragic event takes place, things just keep spiraling out of control for Doug, until his parents finally decide to … Read more
How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff Science Fiction Review #1 * * * Stars (Pretty good) This book is somewhat depressing, but only in the aspect of the war that comes while the main character, Daisy, is in England with her cousins over the summer. I would say this is definitely a book for kids 15 and up because most children below 15 would not understand some parts. If you like adventure/fantasy books, this … Read more