Sweethearts by Sara Zarr - OPTIONAL

Zarr, Sara Sweethearts, 217pgs. Little Brown

Language: PG-13, Sexual Content: PG-13, Violence: PG

HS- OPTIONAL

Jennifer Harris and Cameron Quick became fast friends. They were both outcasts, no one liked them. They only had each other. One day, Cameron disappears without telling Jennifer. Jennifer feels all alone. Several years past by and Jennifer is not the same. She is no longer the outcast in her new home and school; instead she is popular and social. Everything seemed to be perfect for the new Jennifer. Then, Cameron shows up in her life again. What will Jennifer do?

Sweethearts is a cute story on friendship; it really shows how much they really loved each other. But, I did not like how there was some child abuse, swearing, and sex. Cameron's father swears and tries to beat them up. Cute, but it has those bad attributes.

Student Reviewer: CW

Fancy White Trash by Marjetta Geerling - OPTIONAL

Geerling, Marjetta Fancy White Trash, 257 pgs. Penguin Group

Language: PG, Sexual Content: PG-13, Violence: PG

HS- OPTIONAL

Abby Savage has always watched her sisters catching boys and casting them aside. She didn't want to be like any of them. Her family is like one huge soap opera; her mom breaks up with her father, re-marries, then breaks up again. Two of her sisters come home pregnant and then her mother is also pregnant. Living in this kind of situation has taught Abby to not be that fancy white trash. Instead she wants to be more than that. Will Abby succumb to what her sisters did or be better than that?

Fancy White Trash was full of tough times for Abby, but she always gets back on her feet. It shows how well she really believes in what she wanted to accomplish. There was some swearing, underage drinking, talk of sex, and other things.

Student Reviewer: CW

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart - ESSENTIAL

Lockhart, E. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks, 345pgs. Hyperion

Language: PG, Sexual Content: G, Violence: G

MS, HS- ESSENTIAL

Frankie Landau-Banks used to be the geeky girl in the Debate Club. When she turned fifteen, she started going out with Matthew Livingston, a gorgeous, senior guy. But she wanted more than that. One day, Frankie notices that Matthew keeps leaving her to go with his friend, Alpha. She follows them, wanting to be with Matthew in every way. She found out why. He was part of the Basset Hounds, a group of boys that did mischief at the school. Secretly, Frankie starts to plan out things for them to do, without letting any of them know.

It was so mysterious, I loved it. It was clever how Frankie figured everything out before the boys actually knew. A great mystery; entertaining all the way. There was some swearing.

Student Reviewer: CW

Princess Mia by Meg Cabot - ADVISABLE

Cabot, Meg Princess Mia, 288pgs. HarperCollins Books-

Language: G, Sexual Content: G, Violence: G.

MS, HS- ADVISABLE

Mia has just hit a dead end. Her boyfriend broke up with her, Lilly is ignoring her, and she is forced to go to a therapist. Everything around her means nothing. She is completely depressed. One day, she agrees to give a speech in front of New York's finest women, but only because she wants her grandma off her back. Completely out of ideas, she decides to read the journal of one of her ancestors, Princess Amelie. Without knowing, Mia could change the entire politics of Genovia.

This book was ok. It didn't really appeal to me as much as some books. But it was great how Mia tries to prove how even girls can change the way people govern an entire country. Second to last on the Princess Diaries.

Student Reviewer: CW

Gift of the Unmage by Alma Alexander - ADVISABLE

Alexander, Alma Worldweavers: Gift of the Unmage, 400pg. Harper Collins.

Language-G, Violence-PG, Sexual Content-G.

MS, HS- ADVISABLE

In a world where there is only magic it is hard for Thea "the given child" to not have any. But then the unknown, a force created that feeds on others powers comes to town and people's life's are at stake. That is when she has to use her non-magic to help the world.

I thought this book was very good because it had a good moral that sometimes it's not what you can't do it's what you can do that counts.

Student Reviewer: MS

Truancy by Isamu Fukui - ESSENTIAL

Fukui, Isamu Truancy, 432pg. TOR. 2008.

Language-R, Violence-PG-13, Sexual Content- PG.

HS- ESSENTIAL

Imagine being ruled by your teachers. That is what happens in an experimental city that Tack lives in. He doesn't really care about it until a new policy comes out and his sister is killed by a group called the Truancy. Tack seeks out for revenge but he finds much more than that.

I absolutely loved this book it was very well written and you could relate to it because the author is a kid in the school system himself.

Student Reviewer: MS

Lost Time by Susan Maupin Schmid - OPTIONAL

Schmid, Susan Maupin Lost Time, 169 p. Philomel -

Language: G, Sexual Content: G, Violence: PG.

MS - OPTIONAL

Violynne wonders daily what happened to her parents who disappeared a year ago while working on an archaeological experiment. Suddenly, she becomes the main focus of everyone from the Arbiter to the Coil and is finally on her way to finding out what truly happened to her parents.

This book was OK. It seemed more for children. There wasn't very much suspense and the story was over fairly quick. I liked it, I just wouldn't ever read it again.

Student Reviewer: KH

Amber and Blood by Margaret Weis - OPTIONAL

Weis, Margaret Amber and Blood, 325 p. Wizards of the Coast

Language: PG, Sexual Content: G, Violence: PG-13.

MS, HS - OPTIONAL

Mina is the reason the Gods are in an uproar. She is the one who will upset the balance of good and evil with whatever side she joins. They are eager the persuade her to their side, but, Mina has her own plans.

I liked this book. It was easy to get into, regardless of the fact that it is the 3rd of the series. It flows together nicely and ends pretty well.

Student Reviewer: KH

Outcast by Michele Paver - ADVISABLE

Paver, Michelle Outcast (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #4), pgs.319 Katherine Tegen Books.

Language-G; Sexual Content-G; Violence-PG.

MS, HS- ADVISABLE

Torak is cast out of Raven Clan after they discovered he was a Soul-Eater. Persued by the Viper Mage Torack has to save the clans from her power.

Fast paced and full of twists and turns at every angle. A great book to read when you feel in need of adventure.

Student Reviewer: RH

The Sister Switch by Jane B. Mason - OPTIONAL

Mason, Jane B. and Sarah Hines Stephens The Sister Switch, Pgs. 150. Scholastic.

Content- G

EL - OPTIONAL

Caitlin and Andie are identical twins. Andie is athletic, and Caitlin isn't. Although, she is going to try out for the Jazz ensemble, but the P.E. teacher said that everyone has to go though an assessment. Caitlin doesn't think she will pass, so she asks her sister to do it for her. They promise that it would be a one time thing, then they both like being each other more than themselves.

I really didn't care for this book, because I prefer less predictable books. Even though, I think that it teaches kids that they can do anything that they set their minds to.

Student Reviewer: SH

Callie for President by Robin Wasserman - OPTIONAL

Wasserman, Robin Callie for President, Pgs. 176. Scholastic.

Content- G

EL, MS - OPTIONAL

Student elections are coming up. Callie, Max and Fish have Social studies together. Max and Callie are talking and Max starts laughing. Their teacher asks what was so funny Max has no idea what to say and so she blurts out that she nominates Callie for president! Fish seconds that nomination. Callie is so mad, but she ends up learning a lot from the election. So she really doesn't care who wins.

This book, made me think of SBO elections. Most likely because there was competition. I liked this book, just not enough to go out and buy it. I also think that the author should have added more detail.

Student Reviewer: SH

From Alice to Zen and Everyone in Between by Elizabeth Atkinson - ADVISABLE

Atkinson, Elizabeth From Alice to Zen and Everyone in Between, pgs. 247. Carolrhoda Books.

Language- G; Sexual Content- G; Violence- G;

MS- ADVISABLE

Alice is a teen who loves sports. She just moved in to a new neighborhood and she goes exploring. She meets this boy. His name is Zen. He would rather read fashion magazines then play sports. They both go to the same school and Zen helps Alice become popular. Alice realizes that popularity isn't everything. Alice encourages Zen to sing in the talent show. Zen and Alice both become unpopular but they still have friends.

I liked this book because the author did a great job of enhancing the characters. They didn't seem fake. They were realistic in a way.

Student Reviewer: SH

Blood Roses by Francesca Block - NO

Block, Francesca Lia Blood Roses, pgs.129 Joanna Cotler Books.

Language-R; Sexual Content-PG 13; Violence-G;

HS - NO

This is a collection of stories by Francesca Block. They range from stories about centaurs to fallen angels. I wouldn't' read it willingly though if I knew what was in it before hand. I couldn't follow the plots in any of the stories. they were confusing and you didn't know what the author was talking about. The thing I did pick up implied lots of sexual things. and in this tiny book it had 11 swear words 10 of which were the F- word. Never, ever, ever read this book.

Student Reviewer:RH

My Bonny Light Horseman: Being an Account of the Further Adventures of Jacky Faber by L.A. Meyer - ESSENTIAL

Meyer, L.A. My Bonny Light Horseman: Being an Account of the Further Adventures of Jacky Faber, in Love and War, 448 pgs. Harcourt, Inc.

Language~PG-13, Sexual Content~PG-13; Violence~PG-13

MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

Fans of Jacky Faber are rejoicing at her return. Jacky Faber is finally headed to England to see what awaits her . . . most likely the hangman’s noose. Unexpectedly, the ship she is on is captured by the French and Jacky is imprisoned and beheaded. . . . well, at least that is what the British Intelligence Service want the world to believe. Now that the infamous Jacky Faber is dead, no one will be looking for her. This allows Jacky to be sent as a spy into France. Her life as a spy begins as a ballet dancer and ends as a messenger in Napoleon’s army where she comes face to face with the famous Emperor. Readers of this series will welcome Jacky’s return to posing as a boy and the troubles/opportunities that causes her. In this novel, Meyer include an increased amount of sexual references and bawdy inferences. However, Jacky’s innocence remains intact. The use of coarse language is minimal and the violence stems from the story being placed in war time.

Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Librarian

Billy Bones by Christopher Lincoln - ESSENTIAL

Lincoln, Christopher Billy Bones: Tales from the Secrets Closet, 284 pages. Little Brown and Co.

Content - G

EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

This book starts out with a silly "Guide to the Afterlife" which starts the chuckles off right away. The main story is about a skeleton named Billy Bones, his parents, one Sir Barkley Braggety Biglum VI, Miss Primly, Sir Barkley Braggety Biglum VI niece, Millicent, a kind old lady, and a ghost and the Grim Reaper. A cute little story a lot like Tim Burton's claymations.

I think any one could read this book and be thoroughly entertained. The characters are ones you could love or hate (depending on the character) and the story has a good moral.

Student Reviewer: RH

The Order of Odd-Fish by James Kennedy - ESSENTIAL

Kennedy, James The Order of Odd-Fish, 403 pages. Delacorte Press (Random).

Language-G, Sexual Content-G, Violence-PG.

EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

Jo Larouche has lived 13 years with her Aunt Lily since she was found as a baby in her Aunt's laundry room with this note pinned to her blanket:
This is Jo. Please take care of her.
But beware.
This is a DANGEROUS baby.

Up to this point Jo has been as Aunt Lily says "as dangerous as a glass of milk," but that all changes at Aunt Lily's annual Christmas costume party when several strange things happen: a boy in a hedgehog costume shoots an elderly Russian Colonel, a talking cockroach is found tied in the basement moaning about how this will play in the tabloid press and a box falls from the sky addressed to Jo from the order of Order of Odd-Fish.

This book is like Monty Python and Roald Dahl mixed together. It's extremely funny and had me laughing out loud.

Student Reviewer: RH

The King and Fire Chanter by Arrand Wend - ESSENTIAL

Wend, Arrand The King and the Fire Chanter (Book One of The Runes of Medarya). 373 pages. Antiquity Publishing

Content - G

EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

Shane and Mia flee for their lives to another planet and discover their mysterious connection to a royal king of the past and his vision to reestablish the lost kingdom. It's up to them to decipher riddles left by an evil mage long dead who set a bomb to kill them even after he died.

A great story with lots of humor and action. I loved it.

Student Reviewer: RH

From what I can tell, this book is hard to get ahold of. Amazon seems to be the best bet.

A Dance of Sisters by Tracey Porter - ESSENTIAL

Porter, Tracey A Dance of Sisters. PG. 276: Joanna Cotler Books.

Language-PG, Sexual Content-G, Violence-G.

MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

A Dance of Sisters is a story of two sisters and their struggles in life and how they were once close, but now distant from each other. It is very well written and portrays the importance of family.

I love this book so much that I would read it again and will add it to my array of books.

Student Reviewer- MP.

Willa by Heart by Colleen Paratore - ESSENTIAL

Paratore, Colleen Murtagh Willa by Heart. PG. 222. Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Language- G, Sexual Content- PG Violence- G.

MS - ESSENTIAL

When a mysterious new girl comes into Willas life, Willa feels like this new girl has stolen her part in the town play and is trying to steal her boyfriend. Along with all this Willa is helping her mom plan two weddings and Willa is the maid of honor in both weddings.

This is a great book. I love the writing and how easy the author makes it to picture everything. This is a book that I am glad to add to my collection.

Student Reviewer-MP

Thou Shalt Not Dump The Skater Dude and Other Commandments I Have Broken by Rosemary Graham - NO

Graham, Rosemary Thou Shalt Not Dump The Skater Dude and Other Commandments I Have Broken, 281 pgs. Speak.

Language- PG-13; Sexual Content- PG; Violence- G;

MS, HS-NO

This is an awesome story about a girl who endured vicious rumors spread by her ex-professional skateboarder boyfriend and tries to salvage her reputation while trying to earn a place on the high school paper.

I really liked this story. It is a story that I'm sure many people can relate to in one way or another. I couldn't stop reading. It's a funny story and I highly recommend it if you want to go buy it. But because of the amount of swearing I am rating this as a NO. I just can't recommend this to a school library.

Student Reviewer: AR