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Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
This memoir tells the tale of a young girl sold into being a geisha, and having to adapt to the new situation as adeptly as she can. She transforms from the daughter of a fisherman to one of the most highly respected geisha in Gion. During this change, Sayuri must give up everything that she has: her family, her hopes, and her personal feelings, and put them aside in order to become a successful geisha. One day, she has to decide whether to continue smothering her own interests or give in to her deepest desire. This book was written in such a way that it feels entirely personal, and the reader may find him/herself wondering what teahouse s/he should go to later on at night. The book also includes several life lessons using incredible metaphors with imagery and sprinkles moments of suspense, which I found thoroughly enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this book to someone.
Lori, South Side High School 8/08

Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell book jacket

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clark
This novel accounts the journey two magicians take in restoring magic to England. The author's dedication to the novel was astonishing in that she gave detailed footnotes referring to other magic books. I found the plot to be extremely dull and this is probably the only book whose beginning I had to reread, because it could not capture my attention. Overall, I'd say 3/4 of the book was uneventful and the last few chapters were more decent. Either because of the storyline or the 782 pages, I'd say this is the longest book I ever read.
Lori, South Side High School 8/08

The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger
If you liked the movie, you'll definitely enjoy the book! A stunning novel that you won't be able to put down, The Devil Wears Prada details the life of an average Brown University graduate, looking to find work in New York City. She gets accepted at one of the most famous fashion magazines of all time, and finds herself working for the most demanding, insensitive, and rude boss- Miranda Priestly, editor in chief. After working there for several months, Andy transforms from a sincere girl who put her family first, to a typical Miranda-kiss-up, finding little time for her family, friends, or herself. In the end, she faces the decision between a surely successful career and being true to herself.
Lori, South Side High School 7/08

Animal Farm by George Orwell
"All animals are equal. But some animals are more equal than others." Animal Farm tells a dismal story of a rebellion turned backwards, a satirical piece reminiscent of Stalin's rise to power during the Russian Revolution. The animals of Manor Farm agree that a rebellion is necessary, and after successfully overthrowing man, the animals aim to create a more efficient farm with better rewards for the animals. At first, things turn out spectacularly, with their own Seven Commandments pasted on a wall, the seven laws that reign supreme and are unalterable. Soon, differences between the pigs Napoleon and Snowball (Stalin and Trotsky) split the rest of the animals, until Napoleon gets rid of Snowball by sending the dogs after him. From there, things take a turn for the worst as the animals work harder than ever, with fewer rations. By the end of the book, all seven commandments are broken and altered, the pigs take advantage of the ignorance of the rest of the farm animals, and the pigs are unrecognizable from mankind.
Lori, South Side High School 7/08

Cures for Heartbreak by Margo Rabb
"If grief had a permanence, then didn't also love?" Margo Rabb manages to compose a novel in which any teen (especially those that have been in New York City) can relate to, whether s/he has experienced a loss or not. The main character, Mia, has many obstacles thrown her way in a short period of time. Her mother dies of cancer twelve days after the diagnosis, her father suffers another heart attack, and her father's new fiancee dies after a fight with Mia. Through all of this, Mia experiences love for the most unlikely people, and finds a glimmer of hope through her heartbreak after realizing that love is permanent. New loves are like a layer added to the earth, but after peeling the surface back, the old loves would still be there. This book is filled with chuckles, smiles, and a few thoughts about life that make you sit back and think.
Lori, South Side High School 7/08

Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
The Prices, made up of two parents and four girls, land in the Congo to convert the natives to Christianity. Even if you're not into the great subplot of Congo in its independence, the story of this family is. This book features the best multiple-narrator style I've seen-each character has their own unique voice that shines through. One of my favorite books ever.
Meg, Sophomore at Sacred Heart 7/07

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
The book starts with a promising intro: "In nineteen minutes, you can mow the front lawn, color your hair, watch a third of a hockey game. In nineteen minutes, you can stop the world, or you can just jump off it. In nineteen minutes, you can get revenge, but it never gets to that point of compulsive read-ability. I normally really like Jodi Picoult's characterizations-even if I don't like a character; I can understand their decisions and thought process. In this book, I didn't feel any of the characters (except Lacy), or if I did, it was the washed out echoes of a stronger character in a previous Picoult. The book probably would have benefited from a "My Sister's Keeper" one-narrator-a-chapter format, due to the many main characters. Its main strength, surprisingly, is plot. It is like watching a train wreck knowing nobody will really get hurt-you want to see what made the shooting happen, and how people survived. The book is also getting a strong rating, despite the characters, because of the points raised about how to stop school shootings.
Meg, Sophomore at Sacred Heart 5/07

Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk
We all know what the first rule of fight club is-"Don't talk about fight club"! I've got to spread the word though-the book is just as good as the movie, if not better. At first, the story seems a little weird, but by the end, the 214 pages do not seem like enough. Fight Club is one of the only books I've ever reread, and the writing just gets better after knowing the conclusion. Read this book! One caution: The book is really graphic about the soap making (you'll know what I mean when you read it).
Meg, Sophomore at Sacred Heart 4/07

Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende
As a baby, Eliza Sommers was found on a doorstop, and was raised by a wealthy woman and her brother in Chile. Eliza travels to California during the midst of the Gold Rush, and the perspectives of different characters are interwoven throughout the whole story. The book shows different portraits of people in love-Ms. Sommers, her friend Tao Chi'en, Eliza herself, and others she meets along the way. The book is a little slow at times, but I have to warn you-the main gems of the novel are hidden in only a few paragraphs. Some of the content is older, so appropriate for about 14 and up.
Meg, Sophomore at Sacred Heart 3/07

The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien
Why is this book great? Tim O'Brien tells war stories and talks about war stories. Does it matter if they are totally true? Would it make a difference if it was made up? Would you believe it if you hadn't been there? He mixes his war stories of his fellow soldiers with the story of how he became a soldier and his life after the war. I loved this book, and is good for girls and guys. Warning: the ending is a big shocker, and don't expect "TTTC" to wind down.
Meg, Sophomore at Sacred Heart 1/07

The Chosen by Chaim Potok
This is an amazing novel about two friends trying to stay friends in adolescent years. Oh and also one of the friends is a Hasidic Jew (Side curls, beard, black suit...). And his father is a Rabbi. And the other friend is a serious Jew, but certainly not Hasidic. And his father is well known for writing articles that contradict Hasidic views. Along with other twists you will read along the way, the "page" is certainly set for disaster in a friendship (pardon the pun). But throughout the novel you find yourself becoming more and more engrossed in the story, hoping the two can overcome the obstacles that are in the way of their friendship without compromising their own dreams or disappointing their fathers. You don't have to be Jewish to agree that this novel is outstanding.
kate 9th grade SSH 11/06

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
This book is absolutely great-one of the best I've read, ever. While I waited a long time to read this bestseller, I wish I hadn't! The Kite Runner follows Emir, a rich boy, and his servant friend Hassan in Afghanistan who grow up together. The story evolves to show how his relationships and actions have shaped who he is. While it is set in Afghanistan, the cultural references and native language dispersed through the book were tastefully done and interesting. I'm not really doing this book any justice, and can only say that I reexamined the people around me and can't get this story out of my head. Even if this doesn't sound like "your type of book", it's a great read and will appeal to teens, adults, anyone who has ever been a friend.
Meg, Sophomore at Sacred Heart 11/06

Overachievers by Alexandra Robbins
This book should be required reading for teachers, students, parents...anyone who knows a teenager. "The Overachievers" follows a school year with about 8 juniors and seniors from Walt Whitman H.S., and a college freshman at Harvard. This nonfiction book is the real story of '05 and '06 graduates, focusing on certain "stereotypical" roles of overachievers (think Teacher's Pet, Popular Girl, Superstar). Between the mini-sections focusing on an individual, there are general stories about competition- preschool admission (harder than Harvard!), cheating, etc. The book may look a little lengthy, but the book is well-written and well-researched-I was nodding my head to basically everything! PLEASE READ THIS BOOK!
Meg, Sophomore at Sacred Heart 11/06

Kiki Strike by Kirsten Miller
Ananka Fishbein was your typical invisible person, until she stumbled upon another invisible person, Kiki Strike. Kiki's unusual in many ways, like how she could disappear so quickly or find where the princess's ring was. Kiki and Ananka both find an entrance to an underground city where robbers used to play, and Kiki won't rest until she can map the whole city, or find something. She recruits 5 girls for her mission, each with a different talent. Together, they discover old treasures, as well as old corpses. After one of the girls is nearly blown up and a water main erupts, Kiki disappears. Could she be an assassin? Whatever she is, the other girls won't rest until they find out.
Lori, South Side High School 11/06

The Girl with a Pearl Earring book jacket

The Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier
Who is that girl in the painting by Johannes Vermeer? Griet is the daughter of a tile-painter, but now he is blind and Griet has to work to help support the family. She is taken to the Vermeers to be a maid. The five children are already causing her trouble, but so are the other jealous maid and the wife of the painter Vermeer. Griet meets the butcher's son, with blood caked under his fingernails, and decides he is useful when he tells her what happened to her family. The painter decides to let Griet be his assistant, which causes other problems for Griet. Should she obey her master and hide her work from his wife Catharina? What will she do if Catharina finds out?
Lori, South Side High School 11/06

Sister Slam & the Poetic Motormouth Roadtrip book jacket

Sister Slam and the Poetic Motormouth Roadtrip by Linda Oatman High
I've found a YA book different than the rest,
slam poetry makes it the very best,
two girls on a road trip to a slam fest,
read it, show it, slam it
to all your friends, now get it!
(Sister Slam is one of my new favorite books! 5/5 stars!)
Meg, Sophomore at Sacred Heart 9/06

Children of the Lamp - The Akhenaten Adventure by P.B. Kerr
John and Phillipa are two ordinary children (besides the fact that they're filthy rich and their mother is a beauty queen) that grew wisdom teeth. These same teeth revealed that they are djinn, the keepers of good and bad luck. Their magic is growing stronger, giving them the ability to grant wishes, which of course they use to their advantage by scaring their father into letting them go to London to visit Uncle Nimrod. Nimrod reveals to them a whole new world of adventure and danger, of which the twins are eager to embark on, but soon their search leads them right into the hands of Akhenaten, a long-dead pharaoh. This time, the kids must use their wit to win. I liked this book because as impossible as it sounds, there are parts where it totally makes sense and you say aloud, "Hmm why didn't I think of that?"
Lori, South Side High School 9/06

After the Rain by Norma Fox Mazer
This novel is about a 15 year old girl named Rachel. She loves to write, but she always frustrated, whether it is because her parents treat her like a baby or because she is afraid she won't be able to get a real boyfriend before she turns 16. Her grandfather is dying, but almost everyone (including Rachel) but him knows. He is always a very blunt, cold man who shows very little compassion, if any. Rachel reaches out to him, often wondering why she even tries, and finds out a lot about herself in the process. The author has a very specific style, as anyone who has read "Silver" would know, but for the most part her ideas really touch base with some common problems every teen faces. This novel is very well written, and I would definitely recommend it.
Kate, SSHS, 9th grade, 9/06

Stuck In Neutral by Terry Trueman
This book is all about a boy named Shawn, who has Cerebral Palsy. He is a genius and remembers everything he ever hears, sees, or experiences. However, no one knows any of this because he cannot talk, much less control any of his movements. But his father has had the notion for quite some time that his son is getting nothing out of life and is always in constant suffering. Shawn is starting to think that his father is planning on killing Shawn out of love. But the frustrating aspect for the reader is that Shawn cannot communicate with his father so as to tell him that he really isn't in pain at all. This is a fairly quick read. The ending, though I will not share it with you, I will just express as unsatisfying. You find yourself wanting more. But this is definitely a book that you wouldn't expect.
Kate, SSHS, 9th grade, 9/06

Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging: Confessions of Georgia Nicolson by Louise Rennison
Have you read all of the Princess Diaries? Let's just say, Georgia Nicolson is so much funnier and less anxiety attack than Princess Mia could ever hope! The British 14-year-old meets guys, invents her own language in addition to "English English" and the series only gets better. Trust me, you'll be hooked!
Meg, Sophomore at Sacred Heart 9/06

Go and Come Back by Joan Abelove
This is about the funniest book I've ever read, and it's so unique in that the Americans are the wierdos! The Isabos' culture is not to be laughed at, especially tree spirits that cause deaths and turtle that cause rains. Wouldn't you give a lot to live in a society where fat=beautiful? I'd recommend this book because it's a flip to what you're used to, and it's so hilarious to hear what the Isabos are saying behind the Americans' backs. Joanna and Margarita may think they're so civilized, but in Poincushmana they look silly. In the end, they learn how stingy they are. And no, we don't have sex with dogs...
Lori, South Side High School 8/06

Life in the Fat Lane by Cherie Bennett
Great read. The most terrifying part was when Lara's mother was found unconscious in her room with an empty bottle of pills and a bottle of wine. The saddest part was definitely how the mother still loved the father even though she knew he was cheating on her. Sometimes it isn't always about being thin to keep the man happy (especially when the man still isn't satisfied). I recommend this book because it is written with such irony! Lara, the popular, thin, homecoming queen becomes a size 24. She still won't date a fat guy, which is being such a hypocrite. From this experience, she learns she has two friends: and none of them in her popular clique. She also finds someone that reminds her or herself, someone who felt pity for fat people. In the end, she learns to see the beauty in people.
Lori, South Side High School 8/06

Rx by Tracy Lynn
Thyme is an overachiever who works "harder than everyone else" to be in the top 10% of her class (or "The Twenty" as she calls it). When she discovers prescription drugs as a way to improve her GPA, Thyme starts stealing Adderal and soon becomes prescription drug dealing to keep up with her drug habit. Thyme is very real, and she deals with her problems like a teenager-more than most preventative books about drugs. Rx introduces the reader to a whole new world of prescription drug use-where everyone seems to be on something. The book is very quick, chilling, and unforgettable, but the ending is sort of a Band-Aid for a really good read. Without the ending, this book is one of the most interesting "prevention" books I've read.
Meg, Sophomore at Sacred Heart 8/06

Bless Me Ultima by Rudolph A. Anaya
Bless Me Ultima is a book about a 6 year old boy trying to grow up between his mother's and father's opposing families, I'm pretty sure. With much of the book's dialogue in Spanish (and surprisingly, no translations afterward...), I had no idea what was going on after page 5, and stopped reading soon after. How do I even know if this book is good?
Meg, Sophomore at Sacred Heart 8/06

Troy by Adele Geras
Greek mythology is interesting, but seeing it in action is even more so! Love, life, and war are solely dependant on the gods and goddesses on Mount Olympus. Xanthe loves Alastor, and her sister Marpessa, knows it well. The goddess of love, Aphrodite, decides to stir things up and soon Marpessa falls in love with Alastor. Even though the gods' power is strong, the human heart is stronger still. Xanthe forgives Marpessa in the end. Meanwhile, the Trojan War is told in a unique perspective, from both the Trojans and the Greeks. This book is written so well I don't know when it's fact, or fiction.
Lori, South Side High School 8/06

Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
This book is a more elaborated tale of the original fairy tale, The Goose Girl. Unlike most books that you can't put down. you'll want to read this slowly to so you don't get to the ending too fast: it's that good of a book. Princess Ani, her lady-in-waiting, and their guard travel to Bayern to make a marriage that will stop the 2 countries from fighting. Some people of the guard want the lady-in-waiting to be the princess, and slay all those who think otherwise. The princess barely escapes, but she has to pose as a goose girl in hopes of getting the king of Bayern to believe she is the right princess, This story will you keep you on your feet and relishing every word! (This is definitely one of my favorite books and I hope to read other novels by Hale).
Lori, South Side High School 8/06

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
Whether or not you are traveling this summer, you'll appreciate Ginny's crazy European journey that takes her to England, Scotland, France and many other places. Her aunt has sent her 13 envelopes which include a destination, with seemingly little order until the end. I loved the international twist and the interesting concept-definitely an above-average book.
Meg, Sophomore at Sacred Heart 8/06

Pretty Little Devils by Nancy Holder
Pretty Little Devils is like "Mean Girls" with an And Then There Were None-type twist. The super-tight popular clique of 4, headed by Sylvia, invites Hazel to their world. As Hazel goes from C-List to A-List, she goes to their parties and is astounded by this "whole new world". Before you think this is like every other popular teen book you've read, Pretty Little Devils throws a curve-within a group of 8 (including the 5 girls, their rival queen-bee, and 2 boys), 3 die by the end and one is the murderer. I enjoyed the book as a quick, not too strenuous read, but was disappointed in the ending which didn't add up. -- In omnia paratus: prepared for all things.
-Meg, Rising Freshman at Sacred Heart Academy 5/06

The Warrior Heir by Cinda Chima
Things could happen right under your nose that you'll never know about. That is what Jack discovers about his neighbors, secretly wizards, warriors, enchanters, and sorcerers. When he forgets to take his "medicine" one day, he discovers hidden powers unleashed by anger. Before he knows it, he's on a dangerous trip to findone of the 8 great swords, and it happens to be the only one still existing. Soon Jack is trained to be a warrior and wizard, then forced to fight in the Game. If he doesn't fight, his friends and family will be killed. If he does fight but loses/quits, he will be killed. And if he does fight, he has to kill a girl he is madly in love with. Gypsyworld by Julian Thompson 6 kids are stolen or bought from their parents and whipped off to another world, where gypsies rule. They are taught to love nature and treat the earth with respect. If they learn well, the gypsies will let them go and hope these kids can save the earth. This is a good read for conservationists, though the accents can become quite annoying.
Lori, South Side Middle School, Grade 8,4/06

Enthusiasm by Polly Shulman
Whether you're a Jane Austen fan or not, I think you'll love Enthusiasm. Julia is a very practical high school sophomore. Julia's best friend, Ashleigh, is an enthusiast who goes overboard with each new craze. Ash's latest obsession is Pride and Prejudice, Julia's favorite book. Accordingly, they go to get their Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley at an all-boy's school dance. The plot continues as Austen-like conflicts arise with romance and mistaken intentions. While liking Jane Austen (especially Pride and Prejudice, and Sense and Sensibility) isn't required to enjoy the story, you'll recognize the similarities in writing styles and overall plot. This is my favorite book of the year, and you'll definitely be "enthused" when you're done.
-Meg, Rising Freshman at Sacred Heart Academy 4/06

Water Mirror by Kai Meyer
Two unlikely girls are chosen by Arcimboldo, a magic mirror maker, to become apprentices. Merle is known for getting into trouble, and Junipa is blind. The two travel to Venice, and on the first night there Merle notices something unusual. Eft (the housekeeper) is climbing down a well. Junipa is gone. Merle races to Arcimboldo's workshop, where she sees Junipa with mirrors in her eyes, curing the blindness. One day, apprentices from the weaver across the canal came to fight the mirror apprentices, and the leader Serafin saves Junipa's life. Merle begins to like him, and later on at a festival, she follows Serafin to investigate what flying dragons were up to. They saw councillors making an agreement with the Pharoah, whose empire was going to conquer Venice. The councillors were about to hand over the essence of the Flowing Queen, who is the water in the canals that protects all life in Venice, as well as the mermaids. Merle and Serafin steal the vial and jump into the canal to escape. Serafin is captured by the Guard, but Merle drinks the Flowing Queen, hops onto a traitor lion, and flies away.
Lori, South Side Middle School, Grade 8,4/06

The Second Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann Brashares
This summer, Bridget, Lena, Tibby, and Carmen were supposed to all stay at home, until BRidget decided to go to Alabama to find her true self back. In doing so, she discovers old memories as she works for her grandma. Her love for soccer is reborn when she meets a childhood friend. Lena was the one who broke up with Kostos, but she is the one who wants him back. When he comes to the U.S., she is speechless, but not for long. They become close "friends" again, until something very grave for both of them occurs. Tibby goes to college, and breaks the heart of her new friend Brian. To fix this, she has to mend her mom's and her own. Carmen is subconsciously jealous of her mom's new boyfriend, and breaks them up. After she realizes how much her mother will always lover her, Carmen brings them back together. And the Septembers (the first ones) were back again.
Lori, South Side Middle School, Grade 8,4/06

Artemis Fowl: The Opal Deception book jacket

Artemis Fowl: The Opal Deception by Eoin Colfer
After his mind wipe, Artemis Fowl is back to the greedy, cold-hearted young man he was before the fairies. He steals a famous painting by Hermes called The Fairy Thief, which is exactly what Opal Koboi wanted. Not only has she put a clone to fool the whole fairy world, she plans to take revenge on Foaly, Julius Root, Holly, Artemis, and Butler. Julius walks into a trap and dies, but it seems that captain Holly Short was the one who murdered him. She tries to warn Artemis and Butler, but all three are captured by Koboi. They escape a pack of trolls at the last minute, and stop Koboi from revealing the fairy world to humans, and causing the inevitable war. Every time Mulch, Short, Butler, and Artemis think they have the upper hand, Koboi gets at them again. In the end, Fowl learns to have friends and Holly learns to do what's best for the People.
Lori, South Side Middle School, Grade 8,4/06

Artemis Fowl 0 the Eternity Code book jacket

Artemis Fowl-the Eternity Code by Eoin Colfer
Since Artemis Fowl had stolen fairy technology, of course he's up to some mischief! He designed a C-Cube, of which can track down radars. Unfortunately, that includes fairy radars. Fowl arranges a meeting with Jon Spiro, but Spiro steals the cube! Now the fairy world will be revealed if Spiro can crack the eternity code. Meanwhile, Spiro's bodyguard shoots at Fowl, but his bodyguard Butler takes the bullet. Now Fowl has to rely on cryonics to revive his only true friend. Holly Short (leprechaun) to heal Butler, but something unexpectedly happens. Still, Holly Short, Fowl, Mulch Diggums, and Juliet Butler must steal the C-Cube, but this is no easy task! Just when they reached for the cube, they realized their plan failed since Spiro outwitted them.
Lori, South Side Middle School, Grade 8, 3/06

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Artemis Fowl is a genius. He's a millionaire. And he's only 12 years old. Having too much time on his hands one day, he finds an old hag and forces her to give him "The Book", which contains all the fairy laws. Then, he catches a fairy! These highly dangerous creatures are armed with magic and advanced technology. They also have organized teams of fairies to try to mind-wipe Fowl. When all else fails, the fairies must resort to a bio-bomb, killing all living material. Artemis Fowl claims he can escape this bomb (which has never been done before). The question is, at who's sacrifice? Learn about strange characters and be immersed in their world by reading this book!
Lori, South Side Middle School, Grade 8, 3/06

The Artemis Fowl Files by Eoin Colfer
This is a great book for Artemis Fowl fans! If you weren't clear about Holly Short and why she got demoted there's a story just about her. It also includes what happens in between the 1st and 2nd books (hmm a little mischief from Mulch Diggums and Fowl). The book even has a decoding page, so now you can crack the eternity code or any other of those funny looking pictgrams on the front covers of the series. There's a three page excerpt from The Book that you can decode for fun, also.
Lori, South Side Middle School, Grade 8, 3/06

The Pretty Committee Strikes Back by Lisi Harrison
This just might possibly be the best of The Clique series! The school goes on a trip to Lake Placid, but Kristen doesn't have enough money to go. Things are going pretty tough for Massie: she has to sit next to Derrington and fake carsick for 5 hours. When she gets to her cabin, her clothes are covered in leave-in conditioner. Then she's pressured to teach other girls how to kiss when she doesn't know herself. Alicia loses the boy of her dreams, as does Claire. Dylan is horrified when her mother snuggles with her history teacher. Almost everyone in this book is hurt, which makes it so realistic. When the the friends are on the verge of clawing at each other, Kristen leads them into the forest, where they have to work together to get out of it. The minute they get out of the forest, they step into even bigger trouble. Maybe they should have stayed in there?
Lori, South Side Middle School, Grade 8

Educating Esme: Diary of a Teacher's First Year by Esme Raji Codell
Do you think that being a 5th grade teacher is easy and filled with happy, uncomplicated children? Madame Esme, as she gets her students to call her, learns the truth when she teaches in an inner city school. In her first year, Esme starts with the best intentions and always with great wit-you can almost feel her hope as she decorates her classroom and "feels bad for the kids who don't have her". Esme tells her story of overcoming the principal and the school and trying to help her students overcome his or her situation. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but beware, there is some bad language.
-Meg, Rising Freshman at Sacred Heart Academy

Artemis Fowl- the Arctic Incident by Eoin Colfer
Young mastermind Artemis Fowl thinks he's the greatest person to have lived. One day, he receives an email from the Russian Mafia, with a video of...Artemis Senior? Is he back from the dead? Perhaps not, but the Mafia have captured him and want $5 million from 13 year old Artemis Fowl. At the same time, the underground fairy world is having a little trouble itself, with goblins trying to take over the world with illegal weaponry. Fowl and his fairy enemies must team up to stop the human who is helping the goblins, and save Fowl's dad. In the end, Artemis finds courage within himself, and most importantly, respect for others. Artemis Fowl- the Opal Deceptionis, the first of the series, although Colfer does such a nice job writing the books, you don't need to read the first one to understand the next. Fans of Harry Potter will enjoy this series while they're waiting for the 7th book to come out!
Lori, South Side Middle School, Grade 8

Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keys
Written from the view of a "diary", this book shows gradual progress as a mentally-retarded man undergoes a surgical operation to raise his capacity for IQ. At first, Charlie expects the best of life, but he learns that his "friends" laugh at him, and in his sleep Charlie remembers his past, and the painful memories finally bring him to his mother's house. His raised IQ lead him to find a flaw in the operation he had. Will Charlie lose his quickly-gained intelligence?
Lori, South Side Middle School, Grade 8

You Are SO Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah! by Fiona Rosenbloom
You are SO invited to read this book! The narrator is Jewish, but you don't have to be to identify with her feelings. Stacy Friedman is preparing for her bat mitzvah, and everything that could go wrong, does. I enjoyed the fact that Stacy wasn't perfect and made mistakes that made her seem like a real girl. I really loved this book, and couldn't put it down.
I'd recommend this book for girls ages 12-15
-Meg, Rising Freshman at Sacred Heart Academy

The Wind Singer by William Nicholson
This book is another fantasy, but it brings you into a world that might actually exist, in which people are divided into categories based on their intelligence. It makes you think whether the people actually have freedom, which is what Kestrel, Bowman, and Mumpo seek from the Morah. Join them as they cross the great desert of Rakas, Chakas, Barakas, and Omchakas into the lonely forest of wolves and vultures, through the fire, to get the voice of the wind-singer back.
Lori, South Side Middle School, Grade 8

Amazing Grace by Megan Shull
Finally, a teen chick lit book with heart and wit. Amazing Grace gets a teeny bit corny, but is overall great and definitely one of my favorites of the genre. Ace Kincaid (the platinum blond tennis/model superstar) goes into retreat to become "Emily" in a very small town in Alaska. I really loved Grace's narration, but was disappointed in the lame binge drinking episode in the middle that seemed way too forced and obvious. I'd recommend it to anyone, especially if they liked The Princess Diaries.
-Meg, Rising Freshman at Sacred Heart Academy

Rebel Angels by Libba Bray
In the follow up to A Great and Terrible Beauty, Libba Bray delivers another solid book. The girls find their way back in the realms and spend their Christmas break in London society! I really loved Gemma's narration, and the plot outside the realms was also interesting (and in this book, better than the realms). While I liked the story, it wasn't perfect-some parts were way too long and descriptive, and other parts could have been described a lot better. I'd definitely suggest reading "Beauty" before its sequel for anyone who likes historical fiction and fantasy.
-Meg, Rising Freshman at Sacred Heart Academy

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
Have you ever wanted to be "supermodel pretty"? Tally has expected her whole life to become beautiful on her 16th birthday. A new friend, Shay, who wants to stay "ugly", shakes things up! Nothing in Tally's life is ever the same. Not predictable and a great ending, it's a great pick for anyone.
-Meg, Rising Freshman at Sacred Heart Academy

Spellfall by Katherine Roberts
Natalie is kidnapped by a caster, Hawk, to complete a spellclave. Its mission is to destroy the Oq and take over the Earthaven. Natalie tries to stop Hawk, with help from Merlin (Hawk's traitor son).She escapes to Earthaven, and it is there that she meets her late mother's magehound. Natalie, K'tanaqui, and her family stop the casters from destroying Earthaven on Halloween Night. Readers of fantasy and adventure will like it There was one part of the book which I thought was very funny, when the Death Heads took the dare.
Lori, South Side Middle School, Grade 8

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