Pillage

Pillage
Reviewed By: Kobe
By: Obert Skye
Published By: Shadow Mountain Publishing
320 pages


A troublesome high school boy named Beck Phillips gets sent to his rich uncle's house in Kingsplot after his mother dies.  From the time Beck arrives there, he realizes that this place isn't normal and he senses something weird.  From the mysterious walls, to all of the locked doors.  Of course he is curious, so he sets off to explore and that's when his views start to change.  He also makes new friends that help him explore this new and mysterious place.

I highly recommend this book.  It's a mystery/fantasy book.  Those who might like this book are people who thoroughly are people who are really into non-fiction type books.  This book is definitely a fiction book and it is the first of three books in a series, and once you start to read one, you will have trouble putting it down.

The Hobbit

The Hobbit
By: J.R.R Tolkien
287 Pages
Reviewed By: Raven Moore

The Hobbit is a fantasy, adventure book good for people who want to read a story about nine dwarfs, a wizard, and a hobbit making their journey to the Lonely Mountains. Most people would turn this book down as they have probably seen the movies, however, the book is completely different.

People looking for an action book will not get much out of the book until the end. I have read this book five times now and have every time it's a whole new adventure.

Go Set a Watchman

Go Set a Watchman
By: Harper Lee
278 Pages
Reviewed By: Raven Moore

Jean Louise is travelling from New York City back to Maycomb County to visit her 72-year-old father, Atticus Finch. Once home, her foundation is shaken when she finds a racist pamphlet in her father's office. Jean Louise hears her Aunt defending racist beliefs, and sees both Atticus and her soon to be husband Henry at a Maycomb Citizens' Council meeting discussing racist topics. Left in emotional turmoil, Jean Louise grows to hate her father and the rest of Maycomb county alike.

With a twist ending, this book is perfect for people between the age of sixteen though twenty five but is a timeless classic for all ages.

City of Bones

Reviewed by: Matiya
By Cassandra Clare
Simon and Schuster
512 Pages

Fifteen year old Clary Fray and her best friend Simon Lewis go to a club where Clary sees a strange kid that seems to be out of place. She follows him into a storage room and when Simon arrives, he is puzzled as to why she is all by herself. Jace, the strange kid, later explains that he kills demons and is called a shadow hunter but Clary shouldn't be able to see him since she is a normal human.
After a call from her mom warning her not to come home, Clary runs home to find a demon instead of her mother. After a long struggle to kill the hideous demon, she is taken to the shadow hunter home where her life will be forever changed. The world she thought she lived in was actually not at all as it seemed. I recommend this book to teens who like action and adventure.

Gregor and the Code of Claw

Reviewed by Isaac
By Suzanne Collins
Scholastic Press
412 Pages

This is the last book in the five book Gregor series. The book just picks up where the previous book left off in the story of Gregor and his adventures in the Underland. The book is packed full of action, adventure, drama, mystery, and also nail-biting intense moments. It is the kind of book that will keep you on the edge of your seat while you are reading it and makes you want to read more.
The kind of people that this book is great for is the kind of people who like fantasy that has a lot of action, adventure, and problems to try and solve. The action and and adventure in the book are very prudent so anyone who is looking for a book where they want to go on a journey with the character then this is their kind of book. Another type of person that would like this book is a person who loves figuring out puzzles and mystery in books. The book is full of an assortment of different problems which also makes it very likable for the people who love drama as well. With all of the drama, problems, and action scenes it has the makings of a very intense book that will make it impossible to put down. So if there is the kind of people who are looking for a very intense book, one that will keep them guessing, this is the book for those kind of people also.

Summer Ball

Summer Ball

Reviewed by Chris

By: Mike Lupica 

Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group

Pages: 272

A young boy named Danny is a great basketball player and has always been the best player on his team. Summer comes around and Danny signs up for a basketball camp that he and other players can go to in order to complete. When Danny arrives, he realizes that he is probably the smallest kid out there and he is no longer the best. Throughout the whole camp he has to deal with his with his adversity on the court because he is struggling against bigger player. However, he becomes a better player than he was before and he and his team have a tough, yet enjoyable journey. I would recommend this book to people that are involved in basketball or like the sport because that is the main focus in the story.

The Maze Runner

The Maze Runner
Reviewed by: Jayson
By James Dashner
Delacorte Press
375 Pages

Thomas wakes up in an elevator with no memory at all besides his name. The elevator doors are opened and he is stuck in a place called the Glade. He is with other teenage boys that have befallen the same fate as Thomas. He learns of a maze outside the Glade and seeks to find his way through it to escape. He learns of monsters inside the maze and has many obstacles on his journey. I think that this book would be good for other high school students. It is really easy to relate to and is an exciting book.

Inkheart

by Cornelia Funke
Reviewed by: Mckenna Billeck

560 pages

Meggie, who is living with her dad, has a suspicion that her father isn't telling her everything about what happened to her mother. But how could Meggie believe her father when he tells her that everything he reads about comes to life.

Now, this talent may seem interesting at first, but, when things come out of the book, something must go in. Mo, Meggie's dad, was reading to Meggie's mom when she was sucked into the book, Inkheart. The downside, however, when something goes in the book, it can't come back out. On a magical mission to try and find Meggie's mom, Mo reads them into the book and they too go on an adventure throughout the make-bevelieve world. Will they ever find Meggie's mother?

Crater

Crater
Reviewed By: Chase
By: Homer Hickman
Published By: Thomas Nelson
320 pages


In the 22nd century, life is very different from what it is now.  People on the moon must mine a substance called Helium 3 for a war-torn Earth as a living.  Crater Trueblood is a Hel 3 miner, as they are called, and he loves his job on the quiet side of the moon.  However,  one day, when he saves a fellow miner, he catches the attention of the owner of the mine, which is who selects him for a mission.  Crater, being a nobody, does not believe that anything good will come out of the mission, but decides to go anyways.  Accompanied by his friends and his pal Gillie, a smart, but frustrating, clump of mold cells, he must traverse the lunar landscape fighting humans and non-humans along the way, and try and change the course of history on the moon.

I think boys and girls between the grades of the fifth grade through the tenth grade would thoroughly enjoy this book.

The Best Of Me

The Best Of Me
Reviewed By: Noelle
By: Nicholas Sparks
Published By: Grand Central Publishing
320 pages


In high school, Amanda and Dawson fell in love in the small town in which they lived in.  They helped each other through all of the difficult times throughout their lives.  Dawson with his abusive and violent family, and Amanda with her family, looking down upon Dawson because of the history of his family.  But they do not see how their relationship could make it pass high school, so they go their own separate ways.  After many years, a funeral of an old friend brings them together, and they try to rekindle the love that was there before.

People who would enjoy this are people who enjoy romance novels.  Little kids would not like this book because there is mature content and it may be difficult for them to understand.

Unbroken

Unbroken
Reviewed By: Olivia
By: Laura Hillenbrand
Published By: Delacorte Press
307 pages


A man named Louis Zamperini joined the military. One day, he was flying in the American military plane and then they crashed into the Pacific Ocean.  They were stranded for a few days before the Japanese came and found them.  They held them hostage against the U.S., and kept repeatedly beating them.  Zamperini stays strong throughout the whole thing and never gives up or loses hope.

If you like non-fiction books, then you would absolutely love this book.  It is very inspiring and an extra(-)ordinary story.  If you are up fro reading a life-changing book, then this is definitely the book for you.

The Bird: The Life and Legacy Of Mark Fidrych

The Bird: The Life and Legacy Of Mark Fidrych
Reviewed By: Austin
By: Doug Wilson
Published By: Thomas Dunne Books
306 pages


The Bird is a biography on the life of the professional baseball player named Mark Fidrych and his impact on baseball and in society.  Mark Fidrych was born in Worcester, Massachusetts in the year of 1954, where he first started playing baseball as a kid.  Fidrych would grow up to be one of the most dynamic pitchers in all of baseball history.  He played for the Detroit Tigers and became an icon for baseball in the 70's as well as becoming a pop icon.  The Bird covers Mark Fidrych's rise to fame, his experiences within professional baseball, and his impact on and in the media in the 70's.
I recommend this book for any sports fans out there looking for an inspiring story of a true historical figure in the baseball world.  An excellent book that is written for all ages to understand and a book that should be read by any and all sports fans.

The Three Musketeers

The Three Musketeers
Reviewed by: Eliza
By Alexandre Dumas
Published by: Trident Press International
718 Pages


The Three Musketeers is about a young man on his quest to become a musketeer. He makes friends with "The Inseperables" or as they are more frequently known the The Musketeers, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. There is a little bit of romance and a lot of adventure. I thought it was funny at parts. I enjoyed it a lot. I would recommend it to anyone who likes classic adventure books like Count of Monte Cristo.

The Secrets Of The Immortal Nicholas Flamel

The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel first book
Reviewed by: Maricella
By Michael Scott
Published by: Random House Children Books
Pages-400


This story is about two identical twins, Sophie and Josh Newman. One day While going to work they get into a lot more than expected. John Dean, a guy who works with them, attacks them and steals the Codex. The Codex is a very important book that holds many secrets to the future. They must go on a mission to find this book. But little do they know that it's not as easy as they thought it was going to be. Along the way they learn the elements of magic and find their destiny.

I recommend this book if you are into fantasy and magic. If you aren't than this book isn't for you. You also have to have imagination to enjoy the book.

The Hobbit

By J.R.R. Tolkien
Reviewed by: Austin
Publisher: George Allen & Unwin
Pages: 320

The Hobbit is a fictional book about the life of a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins who lives in his quiet little home in the Shire when he gets a visit from a wizard named Gandalf. Gandalf convinces Bilbo to go on an adventure with thirteen other dwarves to help them get their home back. The dwarves home is a mountain called the Lonely Mountain where the dwarves got run out of by a dragon named Smaug. Bilbo is still unsure why this group needs a little basic hobbit like himself but Gandalf is sure they need him. The path to the Lonely Mountain is not easy as it is filled with ogres, goblins, and orcs. As they travel through the magical world of Middle Earth the come across all types of different creatures and travel to many places. Bilbo makes an interesting discovery when he finds a gold ring that speaks to him. This interesting group has to overcome an extreme amount of problems as they try to get to Lonely Mountain. And once there defeat the most dangerous creature in Middle Earth a Dragon. Can this hobbit and a group of dwarves complete such a dangerous adventure?

I recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy stories or action/adventure books. The audience age for this book is for younger ages like teens but due to challenging vocab it is typically recommended for young adults and older.

Looking for Alaska

By John Green
Reviewed by: Kiera
Dutton Children's Books
223 pages

Looking for Alaska is about a boy named Miles Halter (nickname Pudge) who goes to boarding school in Alabama. He becomes close friends with his roommate Chip Martin (nickname the Colonel) along with his roommate's friends including a girl named Alaska. He starts falling in love with her, and is so amazed and astounded by her and she inspires him. She goes missing one day so he goes and looks for her. Although, the book is basically about Pudge adjusting to his new life in Alabama, experiencing true bonds and friendships for the first time, and finding out who he is and what he believes in life.

The sort of people who would like this book are those who are into a little romance, drama, and a little bit of adventure and suspense.

Kisses From Katie

Reviewed by: Karli
By: Katie J. Davis
Publisher: Howard Books
Pages: 288

Kisses From Katie is a true story about a young girl named Katie, that travels to Uganda on a mission trip over the summer before her senior year. During those two weeks, Katie falls in love with everything about Uganda. The children, the education, the experiences. Although her parents thought otherwise, Katie believed that this was her calling from the Lord. The next year, she puts her future on hold to move to Uganda, and ends up marrying the love of her life, and they adopt thirteen children together. Katie struggles along her journey, but never gives up on what she believes is right for herself and those around her. This is a very inspirational book that is perfect for someone that is in need uplifting and cheerful story.

The Lost Hero

Author: Rick Riodan
Reviewed by: Mason
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Pages: 553

The book that I choose to read was The Lost Hero. It is the first book in a five series about Greek mythology. It's a start of the five book series but it's partially continuing the Percy Jackson series because it contains the most of the same characters. It's a book about action, thriller, comedy, and little bit of romance included. It's about Greek mythology but it also contains parts of the roman mythology. A kid named Jason walks up in a juvenile camp with two other kids and he doesn't remember anything including how he got there, who the people are, but he does know his name. It turns out that these kids are demigods and the other are Greek demigods and the Greeks didn't know that there was even roman demigods.

I would recommend this book to anyone that likes Greek mythology and who enjoys a book about action, thriller, comedy, and romance. I enjoyed this book and hope other people do too.

Uglies

Author: Scott Westerfield
Reviewed by: Courtney
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pages: 425

Uglies is the first book in a series of four. It is a dystopian novel set in a post-apocalyptic, futuristic society, where look are key. You are considered an 'ugly' until you reach the age of 16; when you have the operation to make you a 'pretty'. Tally, the main character of the series, is sick and tired of the ugly life and can't wait to become pretty and live a life of luxury. She is just about to turn 16 when her best friend leaves the city to join an outlier group that was supposed just a myth. She left to avoid the operation, and tried to get Tally to go with her. All through the book, Tally wrestles with staying and leaving and encounters countless unexpected obstacles along the way. She begins to realize that her once-so-perfect society really isn't so perfect after all, and her next move really surprised me. Scott Westerfield does a great job of creating a whole new interesting, mysterious world of dystopia that I had never read before. His series is a good read for anyone up for the adventure.

Summer Ball

Author: Mike Lupica
Reviewed by: DeMonte
Page #'s: 257

This story is about a teenager named Danny Walker who is very talented at basketball but he is undersized. In the previous book his team won the travel team nation championship

Million Dollar Throw

Million-Dollar Throw 
Reviewed By: Tyler Whipple
By: Mike Lupica
244 Pages


     Million-Dollar Throw is a book about a young quarterback who against the odds wins a raffle and gets to try to throw a football in a target. If he succeeds he gets 1 million dollars. The pressure is on because his family really needs the money. Every day he sees the "For Sale" sign in front of his house, and knows that making this throw could change everything. His friend Abby is always right there next to him to see everything. But not for much longer as she is losing her vision. How will Nate coping with his best friend going blind affect his football? Read Million-Dollar Throw to find out. People will enjoy this book if they like football and heartwarming stories.

   

The Perfect Ruin

The Perfect Ruin
By:Lauren Detefano
Published by: Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing Division
Pages:356

The book The Perfect Ruin by Lauren Destefano, is an amazing book about an alternate society in the sky. The main character Morgan, is in love with her society, everything appears to be perfect. One little turn of events changes everything. Morgan goes to find how some of her biggest nightmares uncover the truth and with some sacrifice her wildest dreams come true.

This book is wonderfully put together taking you through Morgan's journey. You learn how things are't always what they appear to be. This book is perfect for teens and young adults of all ages.

The Horn of Moran

The Horn of Moran
By: M.L. Forman
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
373 Pages

Horn of Moran is a fantastic book. Alex Taylor has developed his powers as a wizard and is now leading his company on a quest. The land of Alusia is on the brink of war as two men have each claimed the throne. Only the true king can sound the Horn of Moran and prove his nobility however; it has been lost for years. If it is not found it could mean the destruction of an entire nation. They embark on a journey to the tower of the moon and try to save the day!

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a little adventure and likes fantasy books, magic, etc.

Mark of Athena

Mark of Athena
Reviewed by: Madison
By: Rick Riordan
574 Pages

A group of Greek demigods leave their camp and go to the rival Roman Camp in search of their friend Percy who has gone missing. Because of some unplanned obstacles, the Romans declare war on the Greek camp. Seven Romans and Greeks that were part of the prophecy unite in order to carry out their quest. Percy and his two Roman friends Hazel and Frank are trying to shut the Doors of Death. Along the way the seven demigods run into different unexpected problems that they work to overcome in order to save the world and restore peace.

There are many themes throughout this novel such as trust, teamwork, and the main one: facing your fears. Multiple characters demonstrate this them as they look their fears straight in the eyes and have to decide whether to cower in their fear or to rise above and conquer them. This book is the third in the series, but I definitely recommend, not only The Mark of Athena, but also the whole Heroes of Olympus series.

The Tale of Despereaux

The Tale of Despereaux
Reviewed by: Trent
Written by: Kate Dicamillo
Self Published
276 Pages

A story of love and courage. Despereaux is a mouse destined for something. With rats and darkness as an enemy, this young brave knight must make his adventure happen whether he dies trying or makes it to his princess. His enemy, a rat, uses his skill of darkness and persuasion to convince others to help him in returning to the world of light permanently.

This book was not meant to be a hard, challenging read. A tall tale and a fable in one making this book pointed to a younger audience. This doesn't mean you shouldn't read it if you haven't though.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
Reviewed by: Jacey
By: Michelle Hodkin
Published By: Simon and Schuster BFYR
464 Pages

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is a beautifully written book that really suits all readers. It is hilarious and tragic and romantically fast paced all at the same time. The twist ending is to die for! I've never been so sucked into a story before reading this book. I mean wow! Before now I had never heard of it but I believe it is seriously underestimated. I would recommend this trilogy to any and all reader. It has something for everyone. I would, however, keep it away from anyone under thirteen. The subject is pretty morbid actually. Mara is a young woman who suffers from post traumatic stress disorder. She moves from Rhode Island to Florida to try and start a newer and happier life. There she meets a beautiful boy at her new private school and quickly they both realize they share something in common. I won't spoil the ending for you, only say that it is a definite thing to put on your reading list! I hope you found this review helpful.