Mountains Beyond Mountains

Mountains Beyond Mountains
By: Tracy Kidder
Reviewed by: Grace Anderson

The Book Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder will provoke and inspire the minds of those interested in human rights and human activism. This is a non-fiction biography from the point of Tracy Kidder, who encountered an anthropologist and specialist in infectious diseases, named Dr. Paul Farmer. farmer's journey started in the 1980's by creating the Partners in Health Foundation, which aids those who need medical attention in less fortunate countries. He helped those needy for medical help in Haiti, Peru and Russia. This story explains the adventures Paul Farmer encountered, the selfless attitude which he possesses with every move, and his dedication to helping those in need.

If you enjoy non-fiction books, books about important people in our society, or novels that are intended to inspire and make a difference on us as a society, then this may just be the book for you. Being one who is not a huge fan of non-fiction books, I was skeptical as I picked up this book to read it. However, since reading it, it has made a lasting impact on my life and made me realize how my influence on others can always be a positive one, if only I do it with the right heart and the right mind.

We Were Liars

We Were Liars
Reviewed By: Samantha
By: E Lockhart
Published By: Dell Publishing
227 Pages

The book that I chose to read for this project was We Were Liars. This novel is about a young girl who spends her summers on a family owned island with all of her close relatives. She falls in love with this boy, who comes to join them every summer with one of her cousins. One summer, a tragic accident occurs which erases almost all of her memory. To make matters even worse, she has no memory of that entire summer or the accident. As the story goes on, she continues to spend her summers on the island, while she begins to put evidence together piece by piece, to figure out what really happened that summer.

I recommend this book to young adults because of the language and situations that occur. It is a good read for people who love to think and solve. It is definitely a suspicious and shady story. Anyone who loves a good mystery book should definitely read this book.

Sensible and Sensational

Sensible and Sensational
Reviewed By: Courtney
By: Jenni James
Published By: Trifecta
206 Pages

This is a book about a girl named Ellyn Dashwood. Ellyn is a girl with a twin sister names Marilyn. Marilyn is kind, loving, beautiful, popular, a total guy expert, and a complete girly girl. Ellyn is just the opposite. She is just a normal girl who doesn't care about all that girly stuff and doesn't care for boys as much as her sister. Ellyn always felt she wasn't very pretty because she had autism. Ellyn hadn't had much problem with the autism until her dad died. When he died, her family decided to start a new life by moving to Bloomfield, New Mexico. On the twins' first day of school, they both had their own personal tour guide. Ellyn's was a guy named Zane Ferrars. She thought there was no way he would ever like her. It turns out that Zane thinks she's unique. He really seemed to like her and she never understood why. She always thought, "Why would he like me? I have autism." Ellyn starts to like him more and more, but Zane has some secrets that she isn't into.

If you like romance then I suggest that you read this book; if not then this isn't the right book for you.

Gregor the Overlander

Gregor the Overlander
Reviewed By: Raven Moore
By: Suzanne Collins
308 Pages

When eleven-year -old Gregor follows his two-year-old sister, Boots through a grate in their New York City apartment building's laundry room, they discover an amazing Underland world filled with giant talking cockroaches, bats, spiders, and rats. There lies the kingdom of Regalia, inhabited by pale-skinned, violet eyed humans called Underlanders. Gregor's appearance sparks a war between the Underlanders and the rats, and he finds himself the reluctant subject of a strange prophecy. But when he learns that his missing father has been imprisoned by the rats for more than two years, Gregor embarks upon a dangerous quest to save his father and the Underlanders.

With a fun, fast paced writing style, Suzanne Collins Gregor the Underlander is perfect for the ages of twelve and up.

Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane

Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane
Reviewed By: Raven Moore
By: Suzanne Collins
306 Pages

Never wanting to return to the Underland after his last adventure, Gregor has no choice when his little sister, Boots, gets snatched by giant Underland cockroaches. Once back in the kingdom of Regalia, Gregor learns of "The Prophecy of Bane" which predicts that the rats will stop at nothing to kill Boots and protect their new leader, the Bane, from Gregor. With Boots in mortal danger, Gregor embarks upon a quest to kill the Bane and save his sister.

In the second book of the series, Suzanne Collins has done it again. Writing an excellent book that keeps the mind ensnared for hours, this book is appropriate for those of the age of twelve or older.

Gregor and the Curse of the Warm Blood

Gregor and the Curse of the Warm Blood
Reviewed By: Raven Moore
By: Suzanne Collins
356 Pages

Happy at home with his family reunited, Gregor learns that he and his sister, Boots, must return to the Underland to help decipher "The Prophecy of Blood," which predicts the arrival of a deadly plague. But this time, Gregor's mom insists on going with them. Once back in the kingdom of Regalia, Gregor finds himself preparing for a quest to find a cure for the plague. And when his mom becomes infected, the stakes for this quest are higher than ever.

Continuing on with Gregor's adventures, this book is one to keep you up into the early hours of the morning. Packed with action and adventure, this book is wonderful for people aged twelve and older.

The Circuit

The Circuit
Reviewed by: Beatriz
by Fransico Jimenez
pages 134

In the book, Fransico and his family, including his mother, father, and his brothers Roberto and Trampita are on their way to cross the border and start a new life in California. When they thought California was going to be an amazing place, it turns into spending the next years moving around a lot and looking for work to do. Life isn't easy for Fransico and his family. Will life ever get better for Fransico and his family?

I think anyone who like reading about biographies and wanting to get to experience what the people went through, are likely to enjoy this book. I think those who like reading about how life back in the days would probably enjoy this book as well.

I say those who tend to get sad or emotional easily wouldn't enjoy this book. One thing I'll say is that this book is emotional and somewhat sad. Sorry to those who get really emotional, this book might not be the right one or you.

The Lost Hero

The Lost Hero
by Rick Riordan
Pages 557
review by: Madie Edwards

Jason wakes up on a bus with no memory. He has a nerdy best friend and a hot girlfriend he didn't remember. He fakes it to make it as he tries to figure everything out. The answers all come after an attack on the field trip. His coach who is his protector takes him to Camp Half-blood where some of his questions are answered and he takes on a quest to restore his memory.

This book is an action adventure filled with suspense. Once you pick it up, you can't put it down. It's the perfect book for teenagers and young kids, but adults can enjoy it too. I'd encourage anyone to read the book.

A Walk to Remember

A Walk to Remember
Reviewed by: Olivia
By: Nicholas Sparks
Publisher: Grand Central
Pages: 240

Landon is a senior in high school and is more of a rebellious teenager. He then gets into some trouble and has to help the "good" girl at school, Jamie, with a play. She then starts tutoring him so they begin spending a lot of time together, but don't get along very well. They then start to fall for each other. Jamie tells Landon not to fall in love with her, little does he know that she has cancer. Landon has some tough decisions to make after finding out such traumatizing news.

If you're into romance novels then this is definitely the book for you. It may be a sad book, but it has a great theme and has a great plot. It shows how people can change over time and how one person alone can help change someone for the best.

The Schwa Was Here

The Schwa Was Here
Reviewed by: Kizer Sams
Duton Penguin

Have you ever known somebody so ordinary they seem invisible? To most people you don't actually know them. They are just there. Well that's what Calvin Schwa feels like everyday of his life. He has learned to use his "talent" to do things you shouldn't.

This book was amazing. I could see this book helping kids who are like this, realize that they aren't invisible. They might be ordinary but they are looked up too. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a cliff hanger and who thinks they aren't enough.

Brisingr

Brisingr
Reviewed By: Chase
By: Christopher Paolini
Published By: Alfred A. Knopf
784 pages


In the third installment of the Inheritance series, it's only been a few months since Eragon first muttered a word the ancient language. Since then he has been thrown in a powder struggle for the fate of Alagaesia. After the massive battle at the Burning Plains left the empire licking its wounds and retreating, the Varden are on the advance. However the elves, his family, and the Varden all need him at once. Stretched in a web of promises and oaths he struggles to do all that he is asked. With his final confrontation with Galbatorix growing closer Eragon must grow up and take the responsibility of a lifetime. Loyalties will be tested, promises broken, and oaths made Eragon continues down the rabbit hole into the madness of war. Grades 9-12 would like this book. 

If I Stay

If I Stay
Reviewed by: Courtney
Author: Gayle Forman
Publisher: Dutton Penguin
Pages 210

If I Stay is a novel geared towards teens, that was actually just recently turned into a movie. I haven't seen the movie yet, but i couldn't put the book down. The book is about a teenage girl name Mia with a promising future, looking forward to what's in store, when suddenly her whole world is turned upside down. Mia and her family get in a car accident, and she instantly falls into a coma. The only thing is, she's watching everything that's happening; having an out-of-body experience. In doing so, she hears from her loved ones that they need and want her to stay with them, but it would be okay if she decided to go. Mia discovers that it is up to her - if she stays (hence the title), or if she goes

The story line spans over only a few days, but those few days are captivating as she wrestles with the decision to leave the pain behind, or stay with those who love her and continue living. At first, I wasn't sure if I would like If I Stay because I had seen previews for the movie and it seemed a bit over the top. Once i decided to pick up the book though, I really enjoyed it. It is a romance, and there are definitely some areas in the book that could be considered "cheesy", but in the end, it was a bit of a tear jerker. I was really impressed with the author's character and story development when it was such a short book and I liked her writing style. I would recommend this book to those (probably female unless there's guys out there dying for a romance novel) looking for a good, emotional read because it definitely pulled on some heart strings. And of course, read the book before seeing the movie.

Eleanor and Park

Eleanor and Park
Reviewed by: Avisha
By: Rainbow Rowell
329 Pages
St. Martin's Press

This story is about a fiery red headed girl named Eleanor. She comes from a life of family struggles who is ready to start fresh and gain new memories and friendships. The story takes place in 1986 when she rides the bus for the first time and she meets a shy Korean boy names Park. They soon bond over their love of comic books and music. Due to this, it starts a friendship which grows into a life time of memories.

This book is an amazing read that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys romance novels. Even though this book is filled with romance, it also contains drama that touches upon the struggles of being a teenager such as bullying and standing against conformity. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone who enjoys gory and violent books.

The 100

The 100
Reviewed by: Felicia
By: Kass Morgan
Little, Brown books for Young Readers
323 Pages

In The 100, no one has set foot on Earth since the nuclear war. Humanity has been living in spaceships far above the Earth's radiation soaked surface. As centuries go by they finally decide to take a risk and send a hundred juvenile delinquents down to earth. The hundred must work together no matter their differences and fight to survive for they are mankind's last hope. If its survivable then they could have their second chance at life and if not then they just sent a hundred kids on a suicide mission.

This book personally was a lot of fun to read because even when I thought I had it figured out something new came up and surprised me. I had romance, drama, but it also keeps you guessing and fills you with anticipation of what could happen next. My favorite part was how the chapters would switch off to a different character's point of view so you could experience more than one side in situations.

Ender's Game

The Enders Game
Reviewed By Braden
By

Pages

The Enders Game is in the future about a boy that was from a wealthy family. His older brother went to fight in the war against the aliens, so that made him want to because his brother was dead. He went to the academy that his brother went to and trained hard, yet he got bullied by the other kids. He had sort of an anger issue, so he didn't take it well. While on the practice field he was smart, and good at what he did. He had one friend and she helped him through everything she could. The the war came...

Treasure

Treasure
Reviewed by: Eliza
By: Clive Cussler
Published by: Pocket Books Publishing
678  pages

This Book is about a NUMA employee, Dirk Pitt, who stumbles across a map to the Lost Library at Alexandria.Before he is able to follow up on the lead, he is called in to help settle unrest in Egypt and in Mexico. As he attempts to stabilize things in the two nations, he is being hunted by the worlds most capable assassin. It is full of conspiracy theories that all seem separate but tie together at the end.

I would recommend it to basically any adult or teenager who enjoys suspense. Just be warned that it is slightly graphic at times. It was very well written and I really like this author.

The Blood of Olympus

The Blood of Olympus
Reviewed by: Ty
By: Rick Riordan
Published by: Disney Publishing Worldwide
528 pages

      The members of the Argo II have made great strides in their quests; but the looming doom of mother Gaea still presides over them. Her Giants are now risen and she only needs the blood of two demigods to rise herself. Meanwhile, their two demigod camps they call choose what is most important and that decision will not only affect them, but their friends and the fate of the world as well.
     Readers who enjoy the Percy Jackson series would enjoy this book. Greek mythology fans would enjoy this book as well. I would not recommend this book to people who don't enjoy violence because this book contains many sequences of violence. This book is mainly directed towards a teenage audience.

Thirteen Reasons Why

Thirteen Reasons Why
By; Jay Asher
288 pages
Reviewed by; Danielle Bleier


   Thirteen Reasons Why is a very intense book about a very deep issue. It is about a girl named Hannah Baker, Hannah committed suicide two weeks prior to the beginning of the story. The book starts when a package is sent to Jenny, who went to the same school as Hannah; It contains cassette tapes of Hannah speaking of why she killed herself. There are multiple tapes in the box and when the box is sent to Jenny she was instructed to send the rest of the tapes to the next person. The story is told in multiple people's point of view, so the reader gets a "360 view" of the story.

 I found this book very heartfelt and touching, It was the type of book I could not put down. When one event would happen you had to read the next event to have some closure. I do not recommend this book to people who are uncomfortable reading dramatic, life threatening stories. This book is very intense and it's about suicide. I do recommend this for readers who like to be fully developed into the story.

Jude

Jude
Reviewed by: Karsyn
by: Kate Morgenroth
Simon Pulse Publishers
288 pages

Jude is the story a teenage boy whose father is murdered in front of him. But, to save his own life, he can't tell the police what he knows. Jude didn't grow up with a family, it was just his father and him. He was abused and raised in a drug infested home. He did not know his mother.

During the course of the seven years after the death of his father, Jude spent his time in prison. While in prison, he was angry and go in a lot of fights. He also took college classes. He learned whom to trust and not to trust.

This book would be best enjoyed by young adults and adults. I suggest this book because i read it in a day because there was something new in every chapter. The characters were developed well and keep you turning the pages.

Diary of a wimpy kid last straw

Diary of a Wimpy Kid
By; Jeff Kinney
217 pages
Reviewed by; Thomas Brown



Once again Greg Heffley meanders through half a semester of middle school and captures his thoughts in a journal. Roderick, his older brother is still a bully; moving, his younger brother is still spoiled and Rowley, his best friend, is someone Greg continues to use. A new character is Holly Hills. Greg pursues her- trying to talk with her, to ask her to skate and to call her on the phone- but to no avail.

Greg doesn't feel as though he was, given good Christmas gifts, only books and clothes. When he is given a basketball hoop laundry hamper, his mother decides that he can start doing his own laundry. Greg is suddenly glad he received so many clothes for Christmas. He hopes his expanded wardrobe can get him through the second half of the school year without him having to do a load of laundry.

Me Before You

Me Before You
Reviewed By: Jacey
By: JoJo Moyes
Published By: Penguin Publishing Group
400 pages


Me Before You is a very emotionally written book and is very well thought out.  It is sure to leave an impact, and a rather large one in my opinion, on the way you view the world.  This novel is witty, vulgar, and despairingly sad.  The characters, Will and Lou are sarcastic, quick to anger people, and the way that they are written is just amazing.  Will is a quadriplegic and if you don't know what that word means, I suggest that you don't read this book.  Lou is hired to care for him; something that Will is not entirely happy about

I would not recommend this book to anyone who is under the age of 18 because it does deal with a very serious subject, not to mention multiple accounts of obscene language.  It is most suited for adult women in their early-to-mid twenties.

I loved this book and fell in love with each-and-every character.  Nine-out-of-ten people would recommend this book.

Mistaken Identity

Mistaken Identity
Reviewed By: Yvette
By: Lisa Scottoline
Published By: Harper-Collins Publishers
480 pages


Bennie Rosato is a successful owner of her own law firm.  One day she takes a case of an alleged cop killer.  Bennie is known for her work in criminal cases, but little does she know that this case will change everything.  When she meets her client, Alice Connolly, she makes a new discovery, Alice is actually her identical twin.

Mistaken Identity is a great story for readers who enjoy a book filled with surprises.

Skeleton Creek

Skeleton Creek
Written by Patrick Carman
Published by PC Studio
195 Pages

This book is about Ryan, Sarah and a gold rig in their town called the dredge. When they explore the gold rig they find out that something not human inhabits it. The book is written as Ryan's journal. Periodically through the book there will be a code to go to a website and watch a video clip that is an addition to the book. People that will appreciate this book are people that enjoy scary and suspenseful books. If you don't like scary books then you might not like this book.

Message In A Bottle

Message in a Bottle
Reviewed by: Nadia
By: Nicholas Sparks
Grand Central Publishing
352 pages

Message in a bottle is a romance novel following a divorced women named Theresa Osborne, who, even thought she has a 12 year old son to keep her company, is beginning to miss the companionship of her husband. She finds a bottle that washes up on the shore of the beach she's visiting, and inside of it contains what she thinks to be the most beautiful love letters. She publishes the letters in a newspaper column, and from that she ends up finding the author of the letter: Garret Blake. The two meet and from that feelings begin to stir, making the heartfelt love story.....

This book mostly geared towards people who want a story that is going to make their heart ache and swell at every word. If you are a hopeless romantic, or a sucker for tragedies, then i would definitely recommend this read. And if you hate mushy-gushy anything, then i suggest you look elsewhere.

The Daily Coyote

The Daily Coyote
Reviewed by: Jaden
By: Shreve Stockton
208 pages

Picture this, you have a perfect job in a big city making good money. You decide to change your life completely and start by moving to Wyoming. The wind is howling when you step off the plane and as you look around there is nothing but flat rolling hills. The weather is crazy here in Wyoming and as you read you will find out why i say that. And she gets acclimated and starts exploring she finds a place she would like to work on a ranch. She starts by feeding cows with a nice cowboy fellow. So now you know where she works and where she lives you will have to read to find out about her pet she adopts and how it changes her life forever. The things you will get out of this amazing book is that change is always good and to explore things that make you uncomfortable. The main thing about this book is no matter what something is or who someone is give them a chance to show there true side.

The people that will enjoy this the most are people who like diaries and people who like outdoors. I loved this book and could read it over and over because of the adventure and mystery of it. It has everything anyone could want in a book unless you like fiction because this book is a non-fiction as you can get.

The Program

The Program
By Suzanne young
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division
405 Pages
Reviewed by Alexander Durfee

The Book The Program is a wonderfully written story about an epidemic where depression is contagious. In the book the main character Sloane spends the majority of her time trying to stay out of the program. The program ties to stop the spreading of the epidemic wiping out memories that cause sadness or depression. For Sloane, staying out of the program is imparitive in order to remember those who she loves.

I personally loved this book, and I think as far as aged readers go it's very versatile. It has some parts that are a bit too graphic for under-aged readers. It can be enjoyed by young teens all the way up to young adults. It is a great read and I would definitely recommend it to anyone.

The Bully

The Bully
By Paul Langan
Town Send Press
190 Pages
Reviewed by Joe Bulanon

The book that I have read is the book called The Bully written by Paul Langan. This book is about a boy named Darrell who moved to California from Philadelphia. Darrel has some doubt about his new high school. His first day was exactly what he would think. Darrel would face his worst nightmare, The Bully. As the book goes on Darrell is asked to join the wrestling team. He first doubts the idea of joining but his step-father convinces him that not only does wrestling teach you how to fight, but also teaches you about adversity.

This book is great for teenagers it gives perspective of fear that is given to a bully. I liked it because it gives a story of an underdog and shows how to face adversity. It also was a great book because it draws you in with strong emotions. But lastly it's a great book because it's a realistic scenario in life and the author did a great job in showing how the main character handles it.

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games
Written By: Suzanne Collins
Reviewed By: Isaiah B.
384 Pages

So there was a drawing and if you got picked you had to go and fight to survive. In the beginning of the book they had a drawing and Katness and Peta got picked. They had to go and fight and everyone is dying and they want through the whole battle without dying.

Not gonna lie, I hate reading but the book was better than the movie. There are details in the book that are not in the movie. People who like adventure books will LOVE this book because there are a lot of details and it explains it well. Of course I loved the movie instead of reading it because reading isn't my thing. I should of read the book first.