Pushing the Limits

This writing and plot of Pushing the Limits reminds me a lot of Simone Elkeles's writing. It had the dynamic characters with difficult pasts, a good group of supporting friends, and a very easy to fall into romance. The only thing that bothered me about this book was its predictability. I knew what was going to happen the moment I opened the book, and sometimes the writing became a little full of cliches. However, if you like romance novels and are just looking for a quick, easily forgettable read, then I would recommend this book.

Jenna, 16

Three Times Lucky

Three Times Lucky is a wonderful story about a young girl named Mo LoBeau who is on the trail of a murderer. Mo LoBeau unexpectedly arrived at the small town of Tupelo Landing as a baby, with no knowledge of her family. Now, she lives with a man called the Colonel, and Ms. Lana, who together own the town cafe. She loves her new family, but is forever curious about her old one, and is on a never-ending quest to discover more about her past. However, her simple life takes a sharp turn when her beloved town is struck with murder.

Mo and her best friend Dale set off to find the culprit and keep the town from falling into chaos. I enjoyed this book. It is a fairly well crafted mystery with a pinch of suspense. I think that the author helps you get to know the characters, and lets you explore their unique personalities and how they each relate to the mystery. Turnage also keeps you guessing who the culprit is, and keeps you entertained throughout the story. I would definitely recommend this fun and exciting book to mystery and adventure lovers, ages 9-14.

Natalia, 13

Insignia

Insignia was a very good book. I liked the characters and how you felt like you knew them. The war being in space was interesting, and I liked how they had computers in their heads. When the War Games happened it was very funny when Tom and Karl tried to duel each other. The virtual reality games were cool. I liked how the Russo-Chinese hacked into the virtual reality game. When Tom and Medusa started fighting each other it was ironic when they fought each other in the Capitol summit. The fact that both Tom and Medusa could connect to machines was nice.

Cooper, 12

Shadow and Bone

In Shadow and Bone, you are introduced into a world that I think is based off of Russia. You get to know the main character, Alina, really well and when she is in a tight spot you are on the edge of your seat. After you start liking Alina, you reach out to everyone around her. Mal, Genya, even the deer. You understand them all. The book is masterfully written and leaves you wishing that the book wasn't done. I recommend it for people ten years of age and up, because some parts might be too scary or freaky for younger kids.

Cooper, 12

Precious Bones

Precious Bones is a very unique tale about a 10-year-old girl named Bones who lives on the edge of a swamp. Her father, although he seems wise to Bones, is known for his mischievous character across the swamp. And when a dead body is found at the edge of his land, Bones' father becomes the prime suspect. The story is told from Bones' naive perspective as she and her best friend, Little Man, try to save her father from jail and the swamp from disaster. I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes Carl Hiaasen books, or just adventure and mystery with a touch of magic and one or two miracles.

Daphne, 12

The Forsaken

The Forsaken is set in the future, where the U.S., Canada, and Mexico have joined together to create the UNA. Sixteen-year-olds all have to take a test to see if they'll become criminals. Those children are sent to a mysterious island called the Wheel. Alenna hasn't trusted the government since they took away her parents, but she would never suspect that she would fail the test. On the Wheel where she meets Liam, a boy who tells her that the government has many secrets, and the only way to survive is to escape. This book was amazing! It was very suspenseful and I would definitely recommend it.

Sophie, 13

So Close to You

I usually like the galleys I pick from Porter Square Books, but this time I was disappointed. So Close To You was very confusing and I found that more often than not I had to reread the page several times before I understood what was going on. I have given up on trying to finish it for now, but maybe a different time I'll try again.

Juliette, 12