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

Lies Beneath

Lies Beneath was the first book I read about mermaids. I am very much in love with books about vampires and even books about Greek age, but until this book I had my doubts about  mermaids. I wouldn't say this was the best book I ever read but if you are aiming to try something new I highly recommend it.

Juliette, 12

My Life Next Door

My Life Next Door is a classic story about teen love and rebellion. When Samantha Reed falls in love with her off-limits neighbor, Jase, she has to keep their relationship from her mother and best friend. Through many twists and turns, the two support each other and stay true, but when the unthinkable happens they need a new plan to help stay together. As I read the book, I never wanted to put it down. The writing captivates you and draws you into the lives of the characters. The end is satisfying and leaves you with a smile on your face. 

Celia, 13

Gold Medal Summer

Gold Medal Summer is about a girl who dedicates her life to gymnastics. When she meets a boy she really likes her skills in gymnastics get bad. She realizes that she might have to give up the boy for gymnastics. What decision will she make?  Read this book to find out. 

Paloma, 10

Crazy

I'll admit, when I opened up Crazy and saw that it was only written in emails back and forth, I was a little concerned. But then I started reading and fell in love with the characters and the easy writing style. It truly made me feel like I was in on their friendship, and that I could see into their lives. And their lives where utterly relatable. 

I couldn't put this book down until I knew what happened to Isabel. It paints a vivid picture of mental illness, both the beauty and the pain as it leaves you with the questions, how far would you go for someone you loved? and how far would the people you love go for you?

Jenna, 15

Scary School #2: Monsters on the March

Scary School: Monsters on the March is the sequel to Scary School and within it the students are taking a trip to visit the monster king. After some minor adventures such as one student experiencing a trip into the "Locker of Infinite Oblivion," the students meet "King Zog the Terrible but Always Pleasant-Smelling." During their trip Charles Nukid falls in love or actually - is loved - by Zog's daughter. In his anger, Zog unleashes his monster army onto the school. Will this be the end?  You have to read this humorous book.  

Sometimes what happens in this book is so crazy that I must note how the illustrations helped me imagine what was going on. I think I'm going to read it again right now!

Ty, 9

The Master of Misrule

The Master of Misrule is very complicated. It felt like it was the second book in a series and I was supposed to know more. After page fifty or so it got a lot better and was very suspenseful. Once I got to know the basics of the game and the Arcanum it made a lot more sense and became a much better read. I was surprised when the guy who killed Cat's parents was not only her villain but was either the villain for everyone else or knew their villain. It was a very satisfying book, but if there was a flash book, or a second prologue about the game, or something it would be better.

Cooper, 12

Tokyo Heist

Tokyo Heist is a gripping novel about 16-year-old Violet, her amazing adventure in Japan, and the epic Van Gogh heist that she and her friend single-handedly try to solve. 

Violet is just a normal Seattle girl who loves drawing manga and hanging out with her friend Edge. But when her father gets a job painting a mural in Japan her whole world gets turned upside-down. Her dad's employer just had two Van Gogh sketches stolen by a Japanese gang, and now it is up to her to find the sketches, or the consequences will be great.

I would absolutely recommend this book for anyone who wants an action packed book filled with great art and personality.

Carlo, 13

Zoe Letting Go

In an immaculate form of letters and diary entries, Zoe Letting Go deeply grabs the reader to tell the tale of an average girl who is dragged into a strange world. One Cape Cod Summer Day Zoe is whisked off to an area of rural Massachusetts to Twin Birch, a center for girls struggling with eating disorders. In letters to her friend back home, Zoe tells of the odd happenings at the center. Being force fed, strange rules, only girls, and the little mystery thrown into the plot all located in a intriguing mansion. 

Although there are few characters, connections aren't memorable. Overall, the book is a beautifully tied together novel and a great read for fans of Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why.

Holly, 13

Diary of a Parent Trainer

Parents beware. In Diary of a Parent Trainer kids will learn how to control a grown-up and operate them to their best advantage. It also has information about their different modes and functions. It is an essential guide to grown-ups and their uses.

Maia, 10

A Midsummer's Nightmare

A Midsummer's Nightmare was the opposite of a nightmare. A funny tale that made me boil with sympathy for the characters. Especially Baily, the youngest of the children being pulled into something out of her wildest dreams. The only nightmare in this story was the relationship crisis that was going on throughout the book. Honestly it was a little overwhelming to see what this girl had to deal with. In short, this book was a quick sweet read with a few bumps along the way.

Juliette, 11